No more late nights for new man Pope
Striker Tom Pope has acknowledged that a change in lifestyle has helped after he enjoyed a prolific start to the new season.
Pope scored four goals in the 6-2 thrashing of Rotherham, taking his early season tally to six, more goals than he score in the whole of last season.
Speaking to the Sentinel Pope, joint OVF player of the year last season, commented: “I’ve been a dad for 16 months now and it changes your perspective on things.
“Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy chilling out with my mates in the local, having a game of darts or watching the football. But the late nights have stopped.
“I hadn’t had a full pre-season for three years and I’ve never had one like that I’ve just been through.
I did a lot of work on my own while others went on their holidays. I probably surprised a few people
“I knew it was going to be tough so I did a lot of work on my own while others went on their holidays. I probably surprised a few people.
“For half-an-hour I just don’t think Rotherham were fit enough to cope with us.”
Manager Micky Adams added: “Tom was awesome. He has been all season and that’s partly down to him.
“He’s always had a questionable lifestyle. Let’s face it, he likes a pint.
“But he’s had a fantastic pre-season and I think I’ve got him as fit as I possibly can, and he’s reaping the rewards of that.”