Last weekend’s equalising goal against Ipswich – though ultimately futile – was his fifth in eight matches and placed him joint-top of the Championship scoring charts.
An additional assist meant Szmodics, who turned 28 last Sunday, was one of just four players, alongside Southampton’s Adam Armstrong and the Plymouth pair of Morgan Whittaker and Ryan Hardie, responsible for six or more direct goal contributions ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.
Ask any Rovers fan for their assessment of Szmodics today and they will tell you that he is both catalyst and predator, his bustling all-action style reminiscent of Ewood alumni Craig Bellamy, albeit without the Welshman’s blistering pace.
It is all a far cry from the early days of last season, when Szmodics struggled to justify the £1.8m fee Blackburn had paid Peterborough for his services, and was painted by many on the terraces as an unnecessary and unworthy replacement for cult hero Bradley Dack.
That scepticism stemmed partly from a failed move to Bristol City in 2019. A product of Colchester’s youth system, Szmodics scored 38 goals in 162 games for the U’s, all but a handful coming in League Two.
Bu hikaye The Football League Paper dergisinin October 01, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Football League Paper dergisinin October 01, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
DION'S DOUBLE PUTS WANDERERS ON TOP
DION Charles helped give Bolton “a deserved lead”, according to manager Ian Evatt, as he scored twice in Wanderers’ victory at Barnsley.
ICTURE: Alumy Moore secures U's a slender lead
OXFORD United drew first blood in their play-off semi-final by taking a narrow advantage to London Road for the second leg on Wednesday.
GILLS IN HUNT FOR GAFFER AS CLEM DEPARTS
GILLINGHAM intend to appoint a new manager ‘as quickly as possible’ after calling time on Stephen Clemence’s short reign.
'I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN!'
OUR years after Hudderssteering field to Championship safety, Danny Cowley is celebrating another great escape at Colchester.
TASTY LATTE LATH BAGS TOP PRIZE
MIDDLESBROUGH striker Emmanuel Latte Lath has put the seal on an impressive end to the season by being named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month.
FIVE-STAR MILLERS BOW OUT ON A HIGH
ROTHERHAM United boss Steve Evans says he is hopeful for the future after his side signed off from the Championship with a shock win against Cardiff City.
CHAIR LIFTS HOOPS WITH SUPER STRIKE
QUEENS Park Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes wanted his players to give their supporters one more victory to cheer – and Ilias Chair’s super strike set them on their way.
NEIL WON'T BE RUSHED OVER HIS LIONS STAY
NEIL Harris insists he will not be swayed on committing to being at Millwall beyond next season after masterminding the Lions’ successful fight to stay in the Championship.
Rohl's joy at Owls' great escape…..
DANNY Rohl was as proud as punch at his Sheffield Wednesday side’s achievement after victory over Sunderland confirmed the club’s survival.
CARRICK: LATTE LATH CAN SPUR BORO ON
MICHAEL Carrick believes Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath can carry his fine goalscoring form into next season.