Hat-trick hero Gregory vows to return fitter and stronger

HAT-TRICK hero Richard Gregory has promised the Stratford Town supporters he will return fitter and stronger than ever next season.

The striker’s treble ensured Town signed off their season in emphatic style with a 5-2 victory over Cambridge City at the DCS Stadium on Tuesday night.

The hat-trick made it five goals in three games for the 26-year-old, who is beginning to show signs of his old form.

It has hardly been a vintage year for Gregory though and the striker agrees with manager Carl Adams’ view that his fitness has not been up to scratch this season.

“Carl (Adams) is spot on,” admitted Gregory, who has been hampered by injury for the past two seasons.

“He’s stood by me through the bad times and he’s totally right with what he says about my fitness.

“I admit I should be doing more. I plan to get myself a lot fitter next season and show the supporters what I can do.

“I know I need to do more — lose half a stone and just get generally fitter.”

Gregory also revealed he is keen to stay at the DCS, saying: “I want to stay at the club. I had a chat with Carl last week and I told him I love playing at Stratford.

“It’s a good club and it’s got a good buzz.”

Whether Gregory stays will be up to Adams, who will weigh up the striker’s fitness in pre-season before deciding on his future.

Asked if Gregory would be at Town next season, Adams said: “It depends if he comes back fit.

“Richard Gregory will always score goals. But until Richard Gregory wants to get off his backside and get himself fit then we’re going to have battles.

“It’s in his hands. I’m his biggest fan and he knows I’m his biggest fan, but I can’t keep taking a horse to water.

“Until he realises the level we are at, and wakes up and becomes the player that he can be then there’s always going to be a little bit of doubt.”

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