Clarky Needs Love

Mark McGhee explained post-match on Saturday evening that Rovers goalscorer David Clarkson 'needs to feel loved' at the club. The Scottish forward netted a superb goal to open the scoring against Aldershot and his manager hopes it's the first of many.

He arrived in the summer following a lengthy pursuit by McGhee and when he finally got his man he was undeniably delighted. He had a good pedigree after impressing at SPL side Motherwell, where he earned an international cap against the Czech Republic. He also went on to score in that game. As a result he earned himself a big £800,000 move to English football in 2009 when he signed for Championship club Bristol City. He remained at Ashton Gate for the duration of his 3 year contract but was subsequently released following a string of injuries.

He was courted by a number of clubs higher up the league pyramid but was persuaded to remain in Bristol and link up with the Gas and whilst Rovers fans were well aware of his quality, there are always worries when a former Red signs for the club. He's not got off to the best of starts which hasn't helped to alleviate the doubters but his goal on Saturday has been branded a statement of intent by his gaffer. He celebrated his goal in such a way that it was clear for all to see he is very much a Gasheads now and just wants to keep on scoring. Hopefully with the confidence he will have taken from the Aldershot game, plus the support he receives from fans will help him to become our top scorer this season. He has the quality to do it and if he can score regularly before Christmas I don't think 20 is an unrealistic target.

Congratulations Clarky, here's to more flying in over the next few weeks!