(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
By Charlie Peat
ADAM Le Fondre was born to score goals – yet finding a permanent home in order to do so has proved far from straightforward in recent seasons.
But after agreeing to join newly-promoted Bolton Wanderers on a full-time basis, the 30-year-old hotshot, nicknamed Alfie, is now hoping to get his mojo back in the North West.
The former Reading man has already enjoyed two loan spells with the Trotters, including at the end of last season when he helped steer the club back to the Championship.
Le Fondre has become a fan favourite during his loan stints and after scoring on his full debut as a permanent Bolton player against Leeds United in the opening game of the season, the 5ft 9in striker believes having supporters behind him can reignite his career.
“It's probably where I wanted to be playing my football the last two years and it's not always turned out that way,” he said.
“When I joined under Neil Lennon (in 2015), I had a great time and really enjoyed myself but for financial reasons I couldn't make the deal permanent at that point.
“It's great to be here. I didn't have a great time at Cardiff. I was out on loan a lot but it's nice to feel a bit more wanted and the fans want me here – I've got a great rapport with them. I'm just looking forward to kick-starting my career again.
“When I left after a loan spell, some of the fans started a petition to fund getting me back here, which is very nice.
“The way the fans are with me on social media with Instagram and Twitter; they are really positive. It's very endearing.
“As a striker and as a footballer, you thrive off those sorts of things. It gives you confidence that the fans are really pleased with you, and that's half the battle.”
Le Fondre, who currently has almost 50 Championship goals to his name, has linked up again with Gary Madine. He knows the striker well, with the pair having also played together at Rochdale in 2009.
The Trotters frontman never likes to sets himself targets but revealed double figures would be a good place to start.
He said: “I enjoy scoring goals in any game. It's nice to score on your full debut to get off to the best possible start.
“With the exception of Cardiff, I've consistently delivered goals and, at 30, I don't think I'm going to stop doing that. I'm going to continue doing that until I'm old and grey.
“I think any striker would like to get to double figures. I think that's what they're aiming for. I think as a frontman like myself, I would be disappointed not to get there.
“Me and Gary hit up a good partnership at the end of last season and we played at Rochdale together when we were kids. He's a brilliant target man – there's not many who have his link-play ability. He's a quality player and a threat in the box.”
Phil Parkinson guided the Trotters back to the second tier at the first attempt but staying there is now the task at hand.
And despite putting in resilient performances away from home, Bolton have struggled to make the Macron Stadium a fortress.
Le Fondre added: “Most of the boys are Championship campaigners. We have experience and know what to expect from the division and from each other, which can get us results.
“I think staying in this division is our aim. It's a much different division to how it was 12-18 months ago. There's a lot more money in it now and we have to cut our cloth accordingly. We have to stabilise this season and go again next season. I believe we have enough to do that.”
