DOIDGE SKIPS THE BEAT TO ROUSE PARKY

ROTHERHAM

Vaulks 57

BOLTON

Doidge 84 CHRISTIAN DOIDGE used to pound and pedal the beat as a police community support officer in a Cardiff suburb.

Now he wants to become a force to be reckoned with as a Championship striker after nabbing his first goal for Bolton.

Newport-born Doidge (above) joined Wanderers on loan from Forest Green in August ahead of a permanent January deal which could rise to £1million.

And when he came off the bench to hit an 84th-minute leveller, it was easy to see why Bolton boss Phil Parkinson is happy to splash the cash.

Doidge, who has made only one start for his new side, said: “It felt like a long time, as I scored quite often for Forest Green, but it was the first opportunity I’d had and I’m just buzzing that I put it away.

“It’s certainly a big jump from League Two, but I don’t think I’m far away from being a Championship striker.’’

Doidge, 26, admitted: “Being a policeman feels like a lifetime ago, but I’m so happy to be here, I’ve got to pinch myself sometimes.

“I was a community support officer for eight months. I was like the police in Hot Fuzz, on a pushbike and everything!

“To be honest, I didn’t even want to be a footballer. Well, I did, but I was nowhere near.

“Then I started playing for Carmarthen in the Welsh Premier League and I was lucky enough to get a trial at Dagenham.”

Doidge countered midfielder Will Vaulks’ free-kick for Rotherham after Bolton striker Josh Magennis had seen a penalty saved by Marek Rodak.