SHERI FREEDOM BOOSTS HIWULA
JORDY Hiwula believes being given a licence to thrill has helped improve his game – at a pivotal time in his career.
Play-off semi-finalists last term, Fleetwood were flirting with relegation until John Sheridan was brought in to replace Uwe Rosler until the end of the season in February.
Heading into this weekend, the Cod Army chief had tasted defeat just once as his side surged to midtable safety.
The current outlook is much sunnier than the days when Fleetwood found themselves in the midst of an eight-game losing run in all competitions.
Hiwula is revelling in the change of fortunes. The 23-yearold forward, on loan from Huddersfield, believes he has become a better player under the tutelage of former Oldham, Chesterfield and Plymouth boss Sheridan.
“He’s been great to work with. On a personal note, I feel like I’ve improved since he’s come in,” said Hiwula, who had found the net 12 times before yesterday’s Lancashire seaside derby clash with Blackpool.
“Every time I’ve come on, I feel like I’ve made an impact and I think we’re going in the right direction.
“He’s just told me, ‘Play your game and play to your strengths, and try and do the right things. Even if you lose the ball, just try and win it back, and then try again, try things out’.
“I feel like things are coming off when I’m trying things. I’ve got more freedom and a licence to go and play.
“I think it’s been another positive step for me. I’ve played a lot of games this season and it’s probably the most football I’ve played in a season.
“I’ve scored a few goals as well. I feel like I could have had more but you’re always going to miss some chances.”
The former England youth international, who is out on loan in League One for the sixth time, has a fine pedigree, having come through the ranks at Manchester City, playing under World Cup winner Patrick Vieira. But despite moving to Huddersfield, then a Championship side, in 2015, Hiwula hasn’t made a topflight appearance and is out of contract at the John Smith’s Stadium this summer.
The former City youngster realises that he is playing to put himself in the shop window and finishing with a flourish at Fleetwood would be the perfect way to generate interest.
“Every time I get an opportunity to play, I’m just going to show what I can do – and then see what happens over the summer,” said Hiwula.
“At the moment, I’m just concentrating on Fleetwood Town and they (Huddersfield) are concentrating on staying in the Premier League.
“I take it as a privilege that I’ve been at two really good clubs. Growing up, being at Man City, I’ve seen the club become one of the big teams in the Premier League.
“When I first signed at Huddersfield, they were just a mid-table Championship team and now they’re in the Premier League, playing against some of the biggest teams in the world, so it’s good to be a part of something like that.”
Naturally, though, being on the books of the Citizens and the Terriers fans the flames of ambition.
Hiwula added: “The ultimate dream is to play at the highest level possible. Obviously, it’s not an easy journey to get there and there are loads of obstacles that you’ve got to overcome.
“I’m glad that I came to Fleetwood. I feel that I’ve progressed as a player and, hopefully, that can push me in the right direction to try and get me to where I want to be.”