Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: 'Hulk' Goulding is ready to mix it up
BEEFED-up Cherries star Jeff Goulding could hit the comeback trail almost twice the man he was.
Goulding has been reaping the benefits of working hard on his physique since he was added to Cherries’ casualty list five weeks ago.
The striker, who sustained ankle ligament damage in training last month, has been keeping to a strict weights programme issued by Cherries physio Steve Hard.
And when he returns to match action – with a reserve outing at Bristol City on October 13 his target – Goulding should be ready to flex his muscles.
He told the Daily Echo: “A few people have been surprised at how much I’ve filled out. None of it is fat and it isn’t as a result of eating too much!
“I’ve been working hard on my upper body as well as my ankle. I’ve been on a weights programme and had supplements to help me get a bit stronger and a bit bigger.
“When I come back, hopefully, I will be able to add that to my game and start mixing it with defenders.
“I’ve also been keeping up the boxing training and that has helped as well. I’ve still got the bare knuckles to show for it!”
Asked whether supporters could expect to see the Incredible Hulk in a red shirt, Goulding replied: “It has been said – but I’d prefer to call it the mini-Fletch look!”
Goulding managed just two appearances before he was struck down by injury a fortnight into the new season.
The luckless frontman sustained the damage when he landed awkwardly on his ankle during an impromptu training session with his strike partners.
Goulding added: “We were just doing a bit of extra shooting practice.
“It was unfortunate but these things happen and it could have happened to anybody.
“It’s been feeling pretty good. I started jogging at the end of last week and had no adverse reaction.
“Providing everything continues to go to plan, I should be back in training on October 5.
“It feels a lot better than I thought it would. You expect aches and pains but I haven’t had any. I haven’t been working solely on the ankle and my entire body feels better now than when it first happened.
“I’m just setting myself targets to get stronger and fitter. I want to come back and try to make a difference. It’s been great to see the lads doing so well, even though I’m not a good spectator.
“All the injured lads are desperate to get back and do their bit. Not being able to bring in players seems to have brought us all closer together. It’s a big team effort and everyone hopes it will continue.”
