Rovers bounced back from consecutive defeats with a 4-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, which included a first Rovers hat-trick for Danny Graham, on his 100th league start for the club. The overjoyed forward spoke to the club’s media team as he displayed his delight after earning his first treble in over a decade, as well as praising his teammates for their efforts in the collective victory.
“I’m delighted to have got a hat-trick, especially after the past couple of results we’ve had, because it makes it extra special. I thought the lads all stood up as men, we defended well and were clinical on the counter-attack. We need to put the Preston North End and Wigan Athletic results behind us, because this is how we need to be every weekend from now on.
“I’ve been chasing the hat-trick for a while to be honest. I’ve bagged a few braces, and the third has never managed to fall for me. I’m delighted to have finally scored a treble in Rovers colours, but the most important thing for us was the win, regardless of who scored the goals. We’ve got our confidence back now, and we can look forward to a tough set of December fixtures.
“I haven’t had a hat-trick since 2008 when I was playing for Carlisle United against Yeovil Town, so I was desperate to stay on to see if I could grab a third. I felt fit and able to continue in the game and when I saw Dacky (Bradley Dack) get slipped in by Richie (Smallwood) I made sure Brad knew I was free, as I pretty much screamed at him and in fairness, he put it on a plate for me to tap home.
“He owes me a few assists with the amount of times I’ve set him up! He’s been trying to claim the one that came off the post, but he’s not going to get it. I thought we linked up well throughout the game, and our link-up was much better than it had been over the past week or so, but as players you’re going to have spells where things don’t work out for you, but, it’s nice to bounce back with the performance we’ve shown today.
“I remember when Dacky came through the door last year. I had never met him before, but I told him that I’d help him get 15-20 goals last year and I felt that, as the older player, I could take him under my wing and help him improve his game further. I’d seen clips of him before he joined, so I knew what he was about and the preseason, last year, confirmed how good he was, but I hope that he knows, when I shout at him, I’m trying to help him and guide him in the right direction, rather than criticise him, because he’s a massive asset for this football club, and is someone we all want to keep.
“I spoke to Dacky yesterday to see whether anything was on his mind, or anything was troubling him, but he assured me that he was fine and that he had just been going through one of those barren spells that we all go through. He told me that he was going to play well today, which he did and that shows he’s got tremendous belief in his own ability. I’m delighted for him, if I’m honest. He’s got 11 goals and God knows how many assists, so far this season, and we need to keep him fit, motivated and hungry because that could lead him onto great things in the future.
“The most important thing from today, was the team effort and our response following a pair of difficult games which saw us demotivated. The 3 points are the most important thing, because they help us move forwards and give us confidence heading into a tough festive period. We’ve got Middlesbrough away at the Riverside next, which we know will not be an easy game. We have a week to prepare for that game, I’m sure everyone will be buzzing around the training ground on Monday and hopefully we can take this performance into next week.
“Obviously I would like to play every game and I’m full of confidence after today, but with the gaffer you can never say to yourself, ‘I’m definitely starting next game after my hat-trick last week.’ Next week will see me return to the club where I started my career and it’s where I live now, so it’s going to be a special day for me and hopefully I can start the game and grab a goal, but I wouldn’t be too disappointed if the team come out with a positive result.
“The match ball is in the dressing room with the lads, but I think I’m going to keep this one, because I gave my first to my dad. I think I’m going to keep it around the kids, just to let them know their dad once scored a hat-trick!”
