Yates Excited At Prospect Of Forming Partnership With Doyle

JERRY YATES believes that he can form a title-winning partnership with Eoin Doyle in attack this season as Swindon Town challenge for promotion back to League One. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to the STFC striker ahead of this weekends clash against Morecambe.

Joining the club in the summer transfer window on loan from Rotherham, Yates, 22, has enjoyed a mixed start to his season that has seen the striker score two goals whilst also receiving a red card and a three-match suspension.

Speaking on the start to his Swindon career, Yates gave a modest appraisal. 

“I’ve enjoyed it, being around the lads and it’s nice to be a part of something,” said Yates. 

“It was a nice feeling to score on my debut but it was more important to get the three points. 

“Hopefully things can continue like that,” he added. 

“[The red card] was a bit silly to be fair.

“We both reacted but then after a bit of handbags it was nothing and we got on with it. 

“But the referee was adamant both of us were getting a red card and so we had to deal with that.

“I’ve had a bit of luck with that [frequency of games] and now I’m looking forward to Saturday,” said Yates.

Throughout his suspension, Swindon picked up two from a possible nine points with two draws and a loss against Northampton during that period. 

And Yates explained how he had enjoyed watching the team play, despite being frustrated at having to watch from the stands. 

“It was in some ways frustrating because you want to be out on the pitch but it was nice to watch and see how all the lads actually play,” said Yates.

"In most parts of the game I thought we were excellent and it was nice to watch a good footballing side.

“I’ve never been around a team that actually plays this much football so it’s been nice to watch.

“We’ve created lots of chances so all we need to do is start taking some of them,” he said. 

With his suspension over, Yates is excited about being back in the mix this weekend as Swindon host Morecambe at the County Ground. But a strong start from Swindon’s new signing Eoin Doyle, that has seen the 31-year-old score three goals, means Yates could start from the bench.

However speaking on his relationship with Doyle, Yates explained how he doesn’t see the acquisition of Doyle as competition, and instead looks forward to building a formidable striking partnership with his STFC teammate. 

“It’s not all about the individual, it’s about the team,” stated Yates. 

“It’s nice to get Doyley [Eoin Doyle] in and hopefully we can click together. 

“It’d be nice to be involved on Saturday but I know I’ve now got to work my way back into this team and that’s by playing well. 

“We get along well and Doyley is a top professional,” he said. 

“He’s come in, scored goals and is doing his job.

“It’s not a competition between me and him, it’s more about trying to help each other out to get more goals and assists,” added Yates.

“It’s nice to have someone in who will push me as well as me pushing him.

“All the lads are playing well and we need to start nicking a few more results.

That’s up to the coaches to decide [whether I’m moved to the wing] but I’m sure that will get worked out,” he added. 

"Even if I have to start on the bench this Saturday then that doesn’t bother me as long as we get the three points. 

“We need to make our home a fortress this season.

“Hopefully we can come back here on Saturday and get the points,” said Yates.