Anthony Elding 'is a team player', says Grimsby Town joint boss Rob Scott
ANTHONY Elding has been praised by his joint boss Rob Scott – who insists no-one can question the frontman's attitude towards Grimsby Town.
Scott and co-manager Paul Hurst have been impressed with the 30-year-old since he handed in a written transfer request last month, amid reports of interest from League One club Preston North End.
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Anthony Elding
The former Leeds United man has come in for what Scott says is understandable criticism from the fans because of that request.
But he added that Elding's recent performances, firstly against Alfreton and then again at AFC Telford on Saturday, have underlined his value to the Mariners.
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He said: "Anthony's last few performances are exactly what we've been after.
"I've spoken to him and told him that if he keeps up those sort of performances then he'll be in the team week-in, week-out.
"He's asked to go on the transfer list, rightly or wrongly, and you're going to come under criticism from the fans when you appear to want to leave their club.
"That said, I don't think it's case of that he wanted to leave – I think he had his head turned by a big club and that isn't looking like it's going to happen now.
"He's accepted that and he's happy to be here."
With Greg Pearson struggling with injuries and young striker Andy Cook being taken out of the first team limelight after a tough start to life at Blundell Park, Elding has been handed his chance to impress the joint bosses.
Although he didn't manage to get on the scoresheet in Shropshire on Saturday, he put in another hardworking and committed display alongside Ross Hannah, helping the Mariners to another priceless three points on the road. And Scott is delighted that the Lincolnshire lad is taking full advantage of his recall to the starting line-up.
"People can see his application and commitment to the team," Scott continued, "He works his socks off and does very, very well for the side.
"Fans are entitled to their opinions but I don't think anyone can question his attitude towards this football club.
"He knows that the only way to turn round the criticism that he has been doing is to put in the performances.
"But Anthony's mindset is right and when's he's called upon, he's doing a great job for the team and we're very happy with him."
Comments
by gy82a
Saturday, October 20 2012, 1:45PM
“ambition and drive thats what the transfer request is about”
by Mason2010
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 8:01PM
“I think the letter of resignation was a bit of a diva moment on his part and it can't help the team mentality if a player starts wanting to be the one and only. Apart from that his performances last season was out-standing and after an indifferent start to this season I think his attitude is back on track but he must be aware that no-ones position in any walk of life is guaranteed!
In the game against dartford Town had very few attacks on goal...until Anthony Elding appeared so it shows how he can turn a poor team performance around, although we lost that match i was impressed with his work rate and the respect that he commands through his leadership on and no doubt on the training pitch, unfortunately for him his age is slowly going against him, it would be wise for him to stay with us and lead us through example out of this league as champions
i would like to see an anthony elding greg pearson strike force on form, on fire scaring the life out of opposition defences”
by ProperGrimbo
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 11:51AM
“Well said RasenMariner.... people seem to think you have to be scoring every week to be a good player. Hearn will be the first person to thank him for the ugly hard work he puts in to provide for the good of the team.
UTM”
by railuser
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 12:17AM
“i cant believe he is booed by the minority, if you read this Athony ignore them, you are doing a great job, we should be getting behind the team not against, as when all these loanees go back we will need these players.”
by railuser
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 12:17AM
“i cant believe he is booed by the minority, if you read this Athony ignore them, you are doing a great job, we should be getting behind the team not against, as when all these loanees go back we will need these players.”
by RasenMariner
Tuesday, October 16 2012, 7:09PM
“I have always rated Anthony Elding - he is the only player that tries to get the fans behind the team and that isn't easy. Sometimes I feel like the only one cherring in the Main Stand!!
Give the guy a chance and he will continue to deliver!!”