Matt Tootle turning into inspiring leader
Steve Davis is hoping that he will be able to retain his captain Matt Tootle as we approach the end of the summer transfer window. The Alex boss will be wishing the end of the window comes quickly so that he can plan his team with one of the Football League’s most outstanding full-backs in his side.
Tootle, 23, didn’t dwell on his opening day penalty miss at Fleetwood by scoring the club’s second goal at Barnsley on Tuesday night. The 2-0 win at Oakwell has now set up a home tie against Bolton Wanderers in the second round of the Capital One Cup.
Steve said of his in-form captain: “We know that Toots is capable of getting forward and overlapping so I was not surprised when he popped up around his man to score his goal at Barnsley. It was a great finish, drove into the far corner and he gave the goalkeeper no chance.
“He is sound defensively and has that eagerness to get forward whenever he can. He was chuffed to get his first goal for a while and if anyone deserves moments like that then it is a bloke like him. He works his socks off for this Football Club and always brings great quality to his performances.
“He just keeps going and puts all thoughts about the speculation to the back of his mind. He is about the here and now and doing his best for the club. While he is here he will always give 100% and deliver what he can for the cause.
“I hope we able to keep him and for him to see the season out here because he is great around the place. He is a real leader and I am getting him to think about the captaincy even more. It helped Murph and Westy become better players and it is helping Toots.
Steve added: “When you are a captain to think about other players’ performances and try and help them. You can make a difference, when to say the right things and organise the team. He is showing those leadership qualities and he is a key player for us.”