‘I signed back because I love the place’

IF 2016 was a dream for Ger Pender, 2017 was most definitely a nightmare.

He went from a record-breaking, top scorer to a man with splinters in his backside as he failed to hit the net once in his limited appearances.

His nine goals in 2016 saw him scoop the golden boot and, with five of those efforts coming in successive league games, the Bray native set a new club record.

But in 2017, with Aaron Greene and Anto Flood added to the Bray squad, Pender was restricted to just six starts in all competitions and he cut a forlorn and frustrated figure on the bench.

His contract expired at the end of the season but despite a 2017 that he may want to forget, he has decided to make 2018 one to remember as he hopes to recapture his 2016 form for the Seagulls.

“I signed back because I love the place. I love playing for Bray, it’s my hometown. I got the chance to come back and I think I’ll get more game time this year so (I signed).

“I saw an opportunity and I’ve a business outside of football and it’ll be a big year for me with that so it’s handy staying local.”

Ironworks Fitness - located on the Florence Road in Bray - is one of the reasons why Pender stuck around at the Carlisle Grounds but with Harry Kenny departed, he has a few points to prove and is confident that he’ll do so as long as Dave Mackey hands him a chance. Pender and Mackey are no strangers to each other - they worked together at Bray Wanderers U-19’s and Cabinteely.

“Dave is great. It’s much different to last year. He has his ideas and what way he wants to play and he’s getting it across to us. It’s a lot different than last year - there’s more detail in his play. It’s good, I’m enjoying it.

“I’ve always got on well with Dave. He’s a good coach and does great training sessions - there’d never be two the same.

“I need to get games. Once I get games I’ll get quicker, I’ll get fitter and I’ll get stronger and then finish.”

Pender knows that he still faces competition for his spot. Aaron Greene was Bray’s chief talisman last term and he is under contract for another year but Pender isn’t shy in backing himself.

“Greener can play wide or up top but wherever he plays, he’ll do a good job. He’s a great player. It’s tough trying to get in ahead of him. Last year was a tough year for me.

“I want to get games under my belt and then I’ll get goals under my belt. Once I get games I’ll start scoring goals.”