Matty Fryatt has been the driving force behind Leicester`s bid for an immediate return to the Championship. The striker has weighed in with over 20 goals this term as the Foxes have led from the front and are now in touching distance of not only promotion but also the League One title.
His form has been recognised by supporters across the country as he lifted the PFA Fans` Player of the Month for February and followed that by being named Coca Cola League One Player of the Year.
Fryatt has blossomed under the guidance of Nigel Pearson this year and the club has benefited from much-needed stability after a season of turmoil last term. A club-record breaking run of 23 games unbeaten saw them leave the chasing pack in their wake but a 2-0 defeat at Peterborough last weekend means that Posh are now only four points adrift of the long-time leaders.
However, they are nine points clear of third placed Millwall and nearly home and dry but as givemefootball`s Ian Clarkson discovered in an exclusive interview with Fryatt, the foxes are taking nothing for granted as yet.
IT HAS BEEN QUITE A MONTH FOR YOU, LIFTING THE PFA FANS` PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARD AS WELL AS THE LEAGUE ONE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD?
Definitely. To win an award which is voted for by fans of both your club and opposing clubs means a lot. I was a little bit surprised to win it as I have probably had better months than February throughout the season but I did score goals away from home so that may have had a bearing on the final vote. It is a nice honour to win.
ARE YOU PLEASED WITH HOW THE SEASON HAS PANNED OUT?
The season has gone really well for me in terms of goals scored and for the team in terms of trying to win promotion so I am really pleased. My aim now is to get 30 goals for the season and for Leicester to be playing in the Championship next season. I have already beaten my best ever tally of 20 goals for a season so it would be a good achievement for me personally if I could break through the 30-goal barrier.
IT MUST HELP HAVING A STRIKE PARTNER LIKE STEVE HOWARD?
Steve is a selfless partner and has lots of experience of playing in successful sides at this level. He always works his socks off and takes a lot of knocks that allow me to do my thing and he is great to play alongside.
HAS THE EXPECTATION AT LEICESTER THIS SEASON ALWAYS BEEN PROMOTION?
At the start of the season people looking in would have thought the ‘big` clubs such as Leicester and Leeds would be promoted but it isn`t necessarily that easy. Expectations amongst our supporters and at the club would have been to get promotion but you still have to do it. It has been difficult so far as there are some good teams in this league but with the player and squad we have then the expectation is to be promoted. However, talk is cheap and we need to keep on producing the goods on the pitch.
NIGEL PEARSON HAS KEPT A COOL HEAD ALL SEASON HASN`T HE?
The gaffer has brought a lot of stability to the club as everything was looked at thoroughly after our relegation. He has been brilliant from day one along with his backroom staff and they have brought a real togetherness within the squad and the preparation and training sessions are excellent.
HAS IT BEEN DIFFICULT LEADING FROM THE TOP OF THE TABLE FOR SO LONG?
I suppose it has been difficult leading from the front and the fact that we lost at Peterborough last week will hopefully spur us on. We have six games remaining and it is in our own hands where we finish at the end of the season. As I have said all along, there is an expectation at the club that we are promoted and hopefully we will achieve that.
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