Vernam feels he is now back on track
CHARLES Vernam thinks both he and the Burton Albion squad are building some momentum now after a stop-start opening 12 games of the League One season.
The summer signing from Grimsby Town scored his second goal in two games as Burton added a 1-1 draw away to Sunderland to last week’s morale-building 4-2 win at home to Charlton Athletic
“It feels really positive. Obviously, it would have been nice to take all three points but we have to look at it and realise that it’s a great point and that we’ve taken four points from two very difficult games and we’re starting to build a bit of momentum,” said Vernam.
“Seeing the game out against Charlton was a massive boost for all of us. We’ve been on a difficult run, everyone knows that. But we’re starting to build a bit of confidence.
“Everyone wants to get on the front foot. It’s difficult when things aren’t going right but we’ve stuck together as a group and I think it showed against Sunderland.”
Vernam’s own start to the season was interrupted by a knee injury suffered in the first game, against Accrington Stanley, which reoccurred the first time he tried to make a comeback.
“It was really frustrating,” he said. “I had a good pre-season and then got that injury against Accrington.
“It’s been tough building back into it but I’m grateful to the manager for sticking by me and now he’s giving me the chance to come in and show what I can do.
“I believe I can make a big contribution to this team and do well at this level.
“Any striker wants to score goals but as long as they contribute to wins, that’s great.
“You want to score goals and you want to assist.
“I need to do more on my defensive work. I think at times (against Sunderland), especially in the first 20 minutes, I switched off a couple of times and that’s something I need to look back on and work on.”
Work is going nicely on improving his anticipation and getting into the right place at the right time.
Vernam was on hand to tap in after Joe Powell’s shot was saved on Tuesday night and that pleased him especially.
“I need to work more on getting in the box like that,” he said.
“Kane Hemmings has shown that. He’s scored a couple like that and you need to take bits off the people who are doing well.
“It’s something I’ve been watching him do and watching other good strikers at this level do. You have to follow things in because there will always be opportunities.
“The goal last week against Charlton was from good link-up play and that was good to see because there are relationships forming throughout the team.
“We’re getting around each other and getting used to how each other plays and that takes time because we’re a relatively new group.
“We are now starting to see the understanding coming through.”
The injury, he says, is behind him now.
“I’m feeling really good. I’ve been working hard on my fitness and I feel great, up to full speed and looking forward to showing everyone what I can continue to do,” he added.