Marlon King doesn't want season to end (1 Viewer)

COVENTRY City are entering the final phase of a traumatic season – but star striker Marlon King wishes they still had months to go.

King struck twice in Saturday’s 2-1 home win against play-off contenders Millwall to boost his personal haul to five goals in the space of eight days and wipe out any lingering danger of relegation.

And, having almost completed a hat-trick with two fierce injury-time efforts, he agreed that he is nearly back to the level that made him a £5 million Premier League asset before the off-field problems that threatened to finish his career.

Speaking to the CT King said

“Yes, I’m getting there but unfortunately the fixtures are running out for me after starting the season so late.

"I would like another 20 games to be honest but it is what it is and I’m just looking forward to Scunthorpe on Friday.

"If I’m on the scoresheet again so be it but if I’m not, I’m not – so long as we get three points, that’s the main thing.”

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King has started just 21 matches after being given a fresh start at the Ricoh Arena by Aidy Boothroyd, and his recent form suggests that he would have steered the Sky Blues into a comfortable mid-table position but for the seven he missed because of two controversial red cads.

But he admitted:

“It’s all right saying what could have been but I can only do what’s asked of me when I’m on the pitch and that is score goals.

“I could have had a third against Millwall – I think the keeper might have got his fingertips to the first one and the second was a really good save – but I’m just thankful that we got the three points and gave the supporters something to smile about.

“They went home with the bragging rights because the Millwall fans came here and made a lot of noise.

"They were on my case in particular, but I just got on with it as always and we showed a lot of character and patience, especially after losing a silly goal before half time.”

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City’s caretaker boss Andy Thorn agreed:

“We had to work very hard for that but we knew we would because they’re a good side and they changed their system to cope with us which is a compliment in itself.
“We had to dig in for a bit but once again we stepped up a level.

"I’m as proud as Punch of the lads because at the moment they are answering every question that gets thrown at them.

“I told them in the dressing room that, irrespective of what happens to me, I think this is the best group of players we’ve had here since we were relegated.
"They’ve got belief in themselves and if they and handled correctly and looked after then they can fulfil everything people want for the club.

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Centre-half Nathan Cameron missed the match because of a groin injury picked up in the 3-0 midweek victory at Portsmouth while midfielder Aron Gunnarsson limped off early in the second half, shortly after being clattered in the incident that saw Millwall substitute Neil Harris red carded.

And although Gary McSheffrey has had a reassuring scan on his knee problem, Thorn stressed: “We won’t be rushing him back.

"He’s a big part of what we are trying to do here so we don’t want to risk setting him back any further.”