Lewis goes out on loan (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Lewis goes out on loan

FORMER Trowbridge Town star Lewis Haldane is desperate to get back on the goal trail after sealing a month's loan deal at Forest Green Rovers.

The Bristol Rovers striker has had limited chances at the Memorial Ground this season and is now looking forward to enjoying a month of first team football.

Haldane, 20, is hoping to score the goals to help the Gloucestershire side stave off relegation from the Conference and in the process prove a point to Pirates' manager Ian Atkins.

Haldane said: "I am really looking forward to it and it would be great if I could score the goals that help Forest Green stay up. That has to be my aim.

"I have had a very frustrating time this season and I have been pushing the manager to let me out on loan for the past few months.

"He didn't really want to let me go because he wants to keep the squad together but in the end the chairman, Geoff Dunford, decided I should go and get some first team experience and so here I am."

After signing YTS forms with Bristol Rovers in August 2002, Haldane signed his first professional contract in October 2003 and became an instant hero with the fans, scoring five goals last season.

But his fledgling career has stuttered this season and, after just one start and 15 substitute appearances, he is eager play again.

He said: "I started a match the other week for the first time this season and did quite well. But I was feeling ill and had to come off at half-time.

"I have only had a few minutes here and there apart from that.

"For a striker scoring goals breeds confidence and it is hard when you are not playing. But hopefully I can go to Forest Green and show the gaffer exactly what I can do."

The youngster, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his days at Trowbridge Town, signed a new two year deal at Rovers in November and he insists this move is only temporary.

He said: "I know the manager thinks I have got something and I will be going back to Bristol Rovers at the end of this deal.

"I love Bristol Rovers and I want to be part of a team pushing for promotion next season. I think the loan switch is a good move for all concerned. I know a couple of their players already and hopefully we can start the fight against relegation with a win against third placed Tamworth tomorrow."

Forest Green are one place and one point above the relegation zone. Haldane will be joining forces with fellow new signing and former Blackburn veteran Paul Warhurst and former Chippenham Town striker Charlie Griffin.

He will return to the Memorial Stadium in time for their final two games of the season.