Martyn Waghorn has reflected on a fantastic first season at Rangers as he picked up the Sam English Bowl and the Players’ Player of the Year Award at last nights annual Awards ceremony.
With his team mates voting for him as Player of the Year, and taking the other award as top scorer so far this season with 28 goals, he told the Official Site that he certainly never expected such a bright season in his maiden year with us.
‘If I`m being honest, no. I came here with a target in mind and coming off the back of a disappointing year personally for me last year, I wanted to hit the ground running and do well for the team. I`m over the moon with my first season here and it`s surpassed all of my expectations. To be challenging for three trophies in your first year is quite incredible, and I`ve said it time and time again, the set of boys have made it so enjoyable, as have the coaching staff and they are just a great group of lads to be a part of. We always go out there with a smile on our face knowing we have that group of lads supporting us.’
Waghorn went on to say that having heard about Rangers, the support and the struggles over the past few years, the passion and backing of the fans was a real eye opener.
‘You hear about Rangers and what the club has been through over the last four or five years, but to come here and still get the support we have had and to go to away games and pack three stands is quite incredible and you don`t get that anywhere else in the world. It`s incredible turning up week-in, week-out knowing you have them behind you.’
With Waggy injured at the moment but closing in on a return, he says he’s looking to hit 30 for the campaign and establish himself as the Championships leading goalscorer if he can.
‘It would be nice, and a really pleasing one for myself. The main focus though has to be lifting our third trophy of the season though. It`s been pleasing to still be top goalscorer in the league as well that I have been out for nine weeks but I`m still up at the top. It would be nice to get back to get a couple more before anyone catches us up. So I am pleased we have achieved what we set out to achieve.’
As for the Players’ Player of the Year award on the night, he admitted he wasn’t expecting that, so it was all thanks to them.
Asked why they had picked him, he joked.
‘I am a great laugh, great banter, good looks, I have the whole package!’
Before sensibly going on to say.
‘No, seriously the way the boys are it is so easy to get on and when we step across the white line on a Saturday we fight for each other and I think that has shown this season when we have had to dig in and have done it very well. It is a real honour, to be recognised by the boys is amazing, I am really proud and a bit speechless. The Top Goalscorer was something I knew I was going to get but this is very special. This could have been anyone of the boys though, we have had such a great year and every one of them has been fantastic. It is a real honour to be picked out of such a great bunch of boys. This award is huge, to achieve this in my first year is quite fantastic and I am really humbled by the whole evening. I have loved every minute of this season and I want to keep achieving trophies and a lot more success this year.’
.@RangersFC Top Goalscorer and Sam English Bowl winner is @MWaghorn33 #RFCPOTY16 pic.twitter.com/5f4t2ISrl0
— Rangers FC (@RangersFC) 24 April 2016
