Time for Church

‘MINUTES’ is the key word for new Argyle striker Simon Church as he looks to make an impact upon his arrival at Home Park.

Simon has struggled to gain regular football over the last 18 months since playing in Euro 2016 with Wales, so he is keen to get as much match time as possible. 

“I haven’t played a lot of minutes,” he said. “It’s hard not to just jump in and play the minutes. Hopefully, I am at a good fitness level wise that if I am given an opportunity I will be able to build it up. 

“The biggest thing for me now is to stay fit and consistent. I have spoken to the manager and I have got lots of things to keep me going strong. So, I am really looking forward to the challenge and hopefully I can move forward now.’ 

Argyle manager Derek Adams tried to sign Church in October when the forward was initially a free agent after leaving Dutch side Roda JC, but Simon opted to join fellow League One side Scunthorpe United. Simon made seven appearances for the Iron but admitted it was a trying period of his career.

Church said: “It was a frustrating time for me. I kept picking up little niggling injuries. It has been the story of my time in the last couple of years. But, I like to think I am in a good place now. I have seen a lot of people outside of football and I have a lot of stuff to crack on with. The biggest fight now is to get fit and get back to doing what I know I can do.” 

Church played a part in the Wales squad that made it to the Euro 2016 semi- finals and since then he has struggled to fully regain his fitness after requiring a hip operation during his time in Holland. But he is looking to kick on with the Pilgrims now and get back to his best. 

“It was a build up of years of wear and tear and then I never missed a day in training,” said Church. “I went to Holland and played on the artificial pitch and that tipped me over the edge. I’m glad I got it done, it has been a little frustrating getting back into it, but my body is coping with all the changes.

“It was off the back of playing in the Euros. It was obviously an amazing experience for me and it was a dream come true. I was excited for a new challenge and a couple of things fell through and I got the offer from Holland and I took it. 

“Four games in I felt my hip go and that was it. It has been frustrating after an amazing high, but I like to think mentally I have cracked on with it and the buzz of coming back playing football has been brilliant.” 

“I have a young family; you have to take that into consideration. For me, financially it’s not a question about that, its more I need to get focused, get fit again and get some minutes. It’s a really good club, the atmosphere on Saturday was brilliant. I want to be a part of the team that finishes the last part of the season well.”