Kwame Thomas says that it has been a challenge to return to the EFL after the striker spent more than two seasons in non-league.
The former England youth international got off the mark with two goals against Southend United on Tuesday night and he is hoping to use his time at Rovers to prove a few people wrong.
“It’s been a hard path back to the football league. I was grateful to get the opportunity to be here and it feels surreal and such a blessing to be playing and scoring goals,” he said.
“You’ve got to believe in yourself. Even with everything I’ve been through, I’ve always believed in myself. I continued to put myself out there and it was great to get this opportunity, hopefully, I can use it to prove a few people wrong.
“There are a lot of down times in football and for someone like me you can see that blatantly where I’ve dropped down levels or not scored goals. That experience is character building, I’m stronger mentally than I’ve ever been, and I think that experience will work to my advantage.
“Six weeks ago, I was without a club, sat at home checking all the results on the weekend. I didn’t know if I was going to League football or non-league, so to be here scoring goals with the fans chanting my name – you can’t dream of anything better than that. I’m delighted, but I’m focused on getting more of that in future games.”
Thomas also said that he felt Darren Moore was the right manager to get the best out of him.
“The manager has been brilliant with me since I’ve arrived here, I respect absolutely everything he says and any decision he makes,” added Thomas.
“I believe in perfect timing and I believe I was brought to this club for a reason. I know he’s the right manager in the right place for right now.
“The gaffer tells us that it’s about improving as players and therefore improving as a team. If I can do that, and the manager sees that then hopefully I can be here past January."
