Rumours have been swirling, messages, “Is he?”, “He is”, “He’s not” … But tonight, we can finally confirm the news you’ve all been waiting for.
The Third Coming.
United’s second highest record goal scorer… Gary Lockyer… has come back home. And he’s got unfinished business.
“I had a few good offers to consider. Importantly for me, the best offer was the one that supported my work & family commitments. It was an easy choice in the end and I’m glad to be back at United and to be a part of something very special that Ked’s is building and as long as I’m wanted, I will be seeing out the rest of my career here.
Of course, I want to hit that target of 86 goals (38 to go) and the 100 appearances milestone (10 to go). But I want to be a part of giving something back to the best fans and a great club. They deserve it, and we will be fully ready to give it our all when the season kicks off in a few months’ time.”
Sean Welford currently holds top spot for most goals, with 85. A feat he managed in two seasons and 90 appearances.
Might as well add that yellow card record in there. Not too quickly though!
Ollie Finch sits on 24, Gary on 20.
Lockyer returns after an impressive season in the Isthmian Premier with Cray Wanderers, finishing as their top goalscorer with 15 goals in 43 appearances, four of those goals coming on the final day of the season.
If you’ve been following Gary’s journey, you’ve witnessed some extraordinary moments, including a stunning overhead kick against Win Finchley FC in January.
The Gaffer quoted “This one’s for the fans.
I was on the phone as soon as I heard Gary was leaving Cray. Admittedly, I didn’t think it was going to happen at one point. But we got him.
We all know what he’s capable of and what he brings to the team and club. I’m extremely delighted to bring Gary back home, where he belongs.
We have a great core of experience and an exceptional group of young talent that will benefit massively in this setup.”
This will be Gary’s third spell with United, a journey that began with 9 goals in 21 appearances back in 2011/12. His second stint saw him return in the 2021/22 season, notching up 17 goals in 31 games. In the challenging 2022/23 season, Lockyer shone brightly, scoring 21 goals in 31 appearances and sweeping the end-of-season awards, earning the Players’, Managers’, and Fans’ Player of the Season, as well as the Golden Boot.
Can he do it again? Can he lead the line and fire us to glory?
We’ll soon find out. He’s Green & White again. Welcome home Gary Goals COYNAB!!
Keep a look out for an interview with Nuts & Bolts Tv, later this evening.
