Thomson already enjoying life at Shielfield!
Forward Steven Thomson has revealed that he’s looking forward to linking up with a number of faces that are familiar to him at Shielfield Park after joining the club last week.
Thomson admits that there were numerous reasons behind signing at Shielfield
The versatile frontman spoke to a number of his current ‘Gers teammates prior to joining the club, but it also quickly becomes apparent that his decision to sign was based on more than just friendships.
“When John called I knew straight away I wanted to sign. I’ve never played at the senior level before and I thought this is probably the last chance I’m going to get to have a crack at it.
“I feel I can offer the club something. I’d say I’m at my best in the final third, but I’m quite versatile and as long as I’m playing I’m more than happy to slot in wherever. I’d like to think that I’m quite a skilful player and that I’ve got a good shot on me, so hopefully that serves me well.”
The club have been seeking Thomson for some time now, with the forward first having had contact with the club not long after the end of the 2015/16 campaign. However, due to the former Bonnyrigg striker’s contract only expiring at the end of June, the club haven’t been able to confirm his addition until this month.
And whilst the deal may have taken some time to get done, Steven used the time to interact with some of his future teammates, seeking the opinion of the likes of Brian Martin, who has taken a very much similar path into entering SPFL football.
“Not long after John, I had Brian (Martin) on the phone. We discussed it and although I was already looking to jump at the opportunity, he told me a lot about Berwick and it helped to reinforce the decision.
“I’m also looking forward to the chance to play alongside Jordyn Sheerin again. We had a good partnership at Musselburgh and we scored a lot of goals together.
“I’d heard rumours about the club’s interest in Jordyn around the time I was contacted, so I gave him a call too and maybe encouraged him a little to give our partnership another go. He’s a very good player and I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals for Berwick.”
But it isn’t just the opportunity to link up with his teammates that persuaded Steven to join the club with the forward declaring that a past spell under Coughlin’s tutelage left a lasting impression.
“I’ve worked with John briefly before at Newtongrange a few years back when he came in and helped us out, and I liked what I saw. I know from then what kind of guy he is.
“So I also knew that I wanted to work under him again. He knows what he wants from his team and he’s a well-organised manager.”
Despite generally being deployed from a deeper position in the weekend’s opening friendly matches, Thomson got off the mark on his debut in a 2-1 defeat over Consett AFC.
Thomson admits he’s enjoyed former U20’s boss Myles Allan’s training
“The conditions in the first game weren’t great. It proved quite difficult to get the ball and pass it. The manager changed it and moved me further forward. Jordyn slipped me in and I’d already cut inside their full back a couple of times, so I tried it again and got a shot away. I don’t score many with my right but I was quite happy with the finish!”
It would appear that Thomson has impressed manager John Coughlin, who reserved special praise for Thomson following last night’s 1-1 draw with Hibernian.
Coughlin told BRFC TV’s Eric Tait: “I brought Stevie in because I thought we could do with a little bit of creativity in the middle of the park and I thought he was excellent.”
Thomson’s impressive performance could be the product of an enjoyable pre-season, as he continues: “Pre-season so far has been great. All the boys have been working hard.
“We’ve got a sport scientist (Fergus Myer) at the club and him and Myles (Allan) are delivering sessions based around football, so it’s not just running and the team are enjoying it.
“There are a lot of high tempo games so it’s hard work, but it’s been great so far.”
On a more personal level, Steven hopes that he’ll be able to secure regular football at Shielfield throughout the season, and that his contribution will help the ‘Gers be a success in 16/17.
“I want to play as many games as I can. I’d love to chip in with a few goals but the main target is to give ourselves a chance of promotion. I think we’ve got the players here to do that so I’m looking forward to the season.”
Steven’s home and away kits are still available to sponsor for the 2016-17 season, and are available to purchase for £80 on our official online club store. Supporters will receive a signed image of Steven in his kit, in addition to their name (or business’ name) on the profile pages of award-winning programme and official website. To show your support, click here.
