‘Sometimes a fresh start helps you grow’ – Marquis relishing new opportunity after netting on Imps bow

JOHN MARQUIS wants to prove the boo boys wrong after his dream debut for Lincoln.

The 29-year-old completed a permanent transfer to Sincil Bank from Pompey last week.

And after scoring during his Imps bow, in their dramatic 2-1 win away to Plymouth on Saturday, the ex-Millwall man wants to show his doubters he can still score goals.

The striker was brought to Fratton Park by Kenny Jackett in 2019 following his prolific form for Doncaster across the 2018-19 season.

However, he failed to match the heights of that 26-goal term by underwhelming in royal blue – leading to criticism and audible boos directed towards him near the end of his Pompey tenure.

Marquis scored four goals in 24 appearances for Danny Cowley’s side this term, but by the end of his time at Fratton Park had lost his place in the starting XI to George Hirst.

But Marquis believes a new start will benefit him, and he described how he feels he’s better suited to the system and style of play under Imps boss Michael Appleton.

Marquis told Lincolnshire Live: ‘Sometimes a fresh start helps you grow as person and as a player.

‘I felt like, going into the final six months of my contract (at Pompey) and not playing, I needed to go somewhere where I was going to play, help the team and give myself the best opportunity to remind people of what I’ve done my whole career, which is score goals.

‘I’ve scored over 100 goals in the last five-and-a-half seasons. People quickly forget that.

‘They just look at the start of the season, see just a few goals and think you’ve forgot how to do it.

‘It’s nice to come into an environment where I know I’m going to get chances, and the style of play suits me.

‘It’s down to me to get into the right positions and put those chances away. Thankfully, I got one today.

‘I’d not started a game and played 90 minutes for three months so I was managing my energy levels throughout the game.

‘With a bit more sharpness, I think I could have had a couple more.

‘There’s always room for improvement but it’s a good start with a goal and a win.’

Marquis made it 1-1 in the 51st minute with a well-taken first-time finish following a low cross from the left.

And the resurgent Imps completed the turnaround through Max Melbourne’s 92nd-minute winner.

Meanwhile, Pompey’s next opponents, Charlton, look set to complete a loan move for Middlesbrough’s Marcus Browne, according to londonnewsonline. co.uk.

The Addicks won 2-0 at home to Fleetwood on Saturday even though they were without new signing Juan Castillo.

The 22-year-old leftsided defender completed a loan move to The Valley on Friday, but was not part of the matchday squad due to being sidelined with Covid.

Charlton boss Jonnie Jackson said: ‘He wasn’t ill with it but there are protocols he needs to follow.

‘He trained with a small group this morning (Saturday) and he’ll join the main group on Monday. Then it’s about building him up to get him involved.

‘He’s a bright young player who came through the system at Chelsea. A lot of attacking ability for that full-back, wing-back position.’

Charlton will travel to Fratton Park next Monday night (7.45pm).

Other League One results: Burton

1-1 AFC Wimbledon, Cambridge United 1-0 Crewe, Ipswich 2-1 Accrington, MK Dons 0-1 Doncaster, Morecambe

3-2 Wycombe, Oxford United 3-2 Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham 1-0 Cheltenham, Shrewsbury 0-1 Bolton, Wigan 3-2 Gillingham.