HIS number held high by the fourth official signalling the end of an impressive home debut, Saturday’s walk down the wing to a standing ovation was one Mason Burstow was happy to take.
Since signing on loan from Hull City, the teenage attacker has made it very obvious that he intends to compete for the number nine spot. He wants to be in the forefront of Steven Schumacher’s attack after being deployed in more peripheral roles for a few years. However, as Burstow walked across the pitch 20 minutes before the end of a 2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle, he was reminded of why he chose Bolton to restart his career.
“There is no better feeling than looking up and seeing the joy you have brought to people’s faces,” he told The Bolton News. “It was one of those times when I would have jogged over to the bench and sat down because my legs demanded to. But to go off and receive that from the supporters, in such a large club, is why I’m here.”
Burstow has not been lost in the wilderness in recent years, having played 50 games on loan at Sunderland and for his original club Hull in the Championship, but in a position he believes did not highlight his abilities. Getting into the type of scoring position he did against Plymouth has been difficult, so his goal on Saturday was his first since December. Burstow hopes that with more opportunities as a centre forward, Bolton’s wingers will offer him plenty of reasons to rejoice. “This is a pretty crucial year for me,” he remarked. “I had some extremely bad experiences at former organizations.
I need to play like a number nine; I need to recover and score goals. “This is one of those seasons where I refuse to give up. I’m going to make the most of this loan. “Obviously, I signed a long-term contract with Hull, and I hope they do well. The club deserves a lot more, as do the players; they’re a good group of guys.
Don’t get me wrong, going out on loan wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s one of the things I need to do to restart my career, get back on the scoreboard, and get my name out there. I wish them the best of luck this year, but sometimes you have to look after yourself. “I played about 25 games for Hull in the Championship last year, but it wasn’t in my position, so you’re rated differently. This year, the most important message for me is to play in my position, gain minutes in that position, and showcase myself in that way.
So, obviously, coming to Bolton made things easier since Bolton is such a large club with tremendous ambitions. The manager prefers to play with wingers, so one of the first messages I sent them was that I’d be in the middle of the sticks. That’s where I will be. “If you cross it when I’m not there, it’s my fault. I’ll make sure I’m there.” Amario Cozier-Duberry set up Burstow’s goal against Plymouth, and they collaborated again a few moments later with a header that sailed just over the bar. Getting started for his new side so quickly was a significant event for the 22-year-old, who had been disappointed at Stockport the week before.
“A lot of the feeling is relief,” he said, smiling. “It’s one of those things; you’re assessed as a striker on goals, and when you’re on loan, you have to perform right immediately. “There is no room for error.” “To score that goal today is a relief and boosts our confidence for the next one.” Burstow has found it simpler to settle in at Bolton thanks to the presence of two former Chelsea teammates. Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Xavier Simons both came through the Stamford Bridge system after being recruited from Charlton Athletic as a teenager. And, with blue blood now running through Schumacher’s side, Burstow feels the ties will help Wanderers succeed this season.
“Teddy and Xav helped me settle right away,” he explained. “You have chats with them before entering a place like this. You figure out some of the backgrounds and such. “When you get to a club, it’s great to have someone tour you around and create introductions. “And we know each other’s game a little better. That’s why I believe those early interactions at clubs are so crucial. “I met with the wingers immediately away, as well as John (McAtee) and Joel (Randall), and told them what I enjoy doing and where they might find me.
I’m not sure whether they accepted it or not. I told them, and it’s ingrained in their minds. As an example, consider the goal. I told (Cozier-Duberry) we’d be in between the sticks, and he crossed it the first time. It comes off, and it feels wonderful.” Burstow noticed the great energy of 20,000+ supporters over the weekend, but he is also aware that the crowd has specific expectations. Fortunately, he appears to share the widespread promotion goal. “This is by no means a League One team or club,” stated the executive director. “With a stadium like this and a following like this, we need to put on good shows and get results.
“I know they’ve had some terrible years previously, but perhaps this year we can turn things around. “The club wants to get promoted, and I hope 2017 is a successful year. “You can see that this is a strong squad. We made five modifications, which some may dispute, but we delivered a solid performance and achieved the desired result. “I think we can put out any 11 and be competitive.”
Leave a Reply