Dommotyger
14th June 2007, 04:52 PM
TENANCY GIVES PADDOCK REASON TO SMILE
09:00 - 14 June 2007
Ryan Paddock has a special reason to be happy that Whaddon Road will be a temporary home to Bristol Rovers next season.The 18-year-old Cheltenham Town supporter, who lives in Barnwood, has just signed a one-year professional contract with Rovers.
"It's ideal for me, Rovers playing there, because I won't have far to travel for home games - it's only down the road," he said.
"I'm a Cheltenham fan anyway and having Rovers playing there should bring in more money to the club.
"I think they (Rovers) are going to have more fans than Cheltenham to watch a match on a Saturday."
His success in securing a contract with Rovers illustrates Paddock's determination to make it in football after being rejected by other clubs.
The central defender was released by Southampton and Aston Villa before being taken on by Rovers as an apprentice for two years.
He has shown enough potential playing for the reserves and the youth team to be given an opportunity to make it as a professional footballer.
"I just love playing football and it's something I've always wanted to do," he said.
"They've given me a chance and now it's up to me.
"I've got only one year and it's all about trying to get the second year.
"That's the hardest part, getting the second year, but if they do offer it to me, they must think I can make it."
09:00 - 14 June 2007
Ryan Paddock has a special reason to be happy that Whaddon Road will be a temporary home to Bristol Rovers next season.The 18-year-old Cheltenham Town supporter, who lives in Barnwood, has just signed a one-year professional contract with Rovers.
"It's ideal for me, Rovers playing there, because I won't have far to travel for home games - it's only down the road," he said.
"I'm a Cheltenham fan anyway and having Rovers playing there should bring in more money to the club.
"I think they (Rovers) are going to have more fans than Cheltenham to watch a match on a Saturday."
His success in securing a contract with Rovers illustrates Paddock's determination to make it in football after being rejected by other clubs.
The central defender was released by Southampton and Aston Villa before being taken on by Rovers as an apprentice for two years.
He has shown enough potential playing for the reserves and the youth team to be given an opportunity to make it as a professional footballer.
"I just love playing football and it's something I've always wanted to do," he said.
"They've given me a chance and now it's up to me.
"I've got only one year and it's all about trying to get the second year.
"That's the hardest part, getting the second year, but if they do offer it to me, they must think I can make it."