Ralph Hasenhuttl
Dan Nlundulu is hoping a new challenge at Cheltenham Town will help to “build on my confidence” after admitting: “At Lincoln I didn’t have the best six months.” The Saints youngster joined Michael Appleton’s Imps in the summer, on a season-long loan deal. On his second appearance for the Robins at the weekend, the 22-year-old struck in a 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic. He received a warm ovation from the fans at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium after being withdrawn late on. Speaking after the game,
Dan Nlundulu said: “It was nice to hear the fans clapping and to feel the love from the fans because at Lincoln I didn’t have the best six months, due to confidence and as a footballer its ups and downs. Now I’m here at Cheltenham, new system, new manager, new players. It just fits right for me. I feel like I can express myself and it’s just a great platform to show your ability. I feel like I’m doing that. I just need to keep going and build on my confidence. Hopefully this is the first (goal) of many.”
Discussing what he preferred about the system at Cheltenham,
Dan Nlundulu said: “Playing two up front. Playing two strikers is so important. The gaffer said that to me early on. Especially the way I play, the way I link play and bring players into the game, I feel like it’s great. Playing on your own in League One is very hard. It’s always a fight, a battle. Playing two up front is great and you can see the benefit it has on us. I feel like it’s going to be a good end to the season.”
Asked if the system at Lincoln played a part on why he struggled to make a big impact,
Dan Nlundulu added: “Yes, in a way. Because as a player, bringing people into play and holding the ball up, I just found it very hard. I felt like I was on my own at all times. But here I’m receiving it, I’ve got players running off me, I’ve got Alfie (May) right next to me. We understand each other. I understand them, they understand me. This is only my second game, so let’s see what happens on my 10th game when we’re training and get to know each other even off the pitch, because that helps as well. I’m looking forward to it, I’m excited to see what’s next. Obviously I’m on loan, wherever my next journey is from here, I don’t know. But if I can help Cheltenham go up, or get in the play-offs, it’s good for the club and obviously good for me.”
