Hyam Out to Hit Ambitious Target
Friday, 22nd Aug 2014 11:55

Town midfielder Luke Hyam has been set a six-goal target for the current campaign as part of a novel incentive scheme dreamt up by boss Mick McCarthy.

Hyam has so far netted just twice in 96 senior outings — 87 starts and nine substitute appearances — so agrees it is an ambitious tally to pursue over the remainder of the season.

McCarthy has organised a charity sweepstake with a difference, charging each of his players £100 to take part and the aim is to reach a goals target set by the Town boss.

Hyam said: “Basically, we have all been set a target for the season and mine is six. If I don’t get six the money goes to charity. The three players who miss their target by most will take the rest of out for a meal at the end of the season.

“It gives us all something to aim for and hopefully I can reach it. You’ve got to set your sights high — if not there’s no point is there?”

Hyam was considered a holding midfielder when he first made the step into the first team four years ago but McCarthy and assistant Terry Connor have been encouraging him to become a more offensive player.

It was from Hyam’s excellent pass that Daryl Murphy opened the scoring in the opening-day defeat of Fulham and he added: “I was pleased with my performance against Fulham and I feel I’ve done reasonably well in the last couple of games. It gives me a base to build upon.

“The manager and TC are always encouraging me to look forward and make forward runs. I just want to improve my game and hopefully keep putting in good performances and helping the team to get good results.

“I’m looking to improve the attacking side of my game. I feel like I’m getting better at it and that there is still a lot more to come. As long as I’m helping my colleagues and the team — it’s all based upon the team and not just me — I’m happy. The main thing is getting three points and that’s all I can ask for.

“The first couple of weeks of the season have gone reasonably well. We’re not disappointed with our start and we’ve improved on how we started last season.

“We’ve had the win against Fulham, we definitely deserved at least a point in midweek at Birmingham and I thought we deserved to take something from the game at Reading last Saturday. All in all I think we’re fairly pleased.”

Earlier in the week Hyam and his team-mates had a different target on their minds when they took part in Soccer AM's Crossbar Challenge.

Photo: Action Images

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gibbo added 12:00 - Aug 22 I wonder what Cole Skuse goal target is ?
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StuartBrett8 added 12:01 - Aug 22 Cole Skuse's target must be 1
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The_Messiah added 12:04 - Aug 22 As the old saying goes "If you don't buy a ticket, you won't win the raffle". Lots more shots on goal is what needed. I'm positive Mr. Shyam will notch a few if he attempts to shoot. Same goes for Skuse who nearly scored a couple of looping efforts against Fulham. Keep pulling the trigger, eventually the net will bulge!
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ramseyn added 12:06 - Aug 22 “Basically, we have all been set a target for the season and mine is six. If I don't get six the money goes to charity." So where does the money go if you do get the six? Got to be charity too??
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BlueBadger added 12:11 - Aug 22 Paul Taylor's was 4978, if you believe some of the chat on here about him.
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Mark added 12:26 - Aug 22 Four games into the season and not a single goal from midfield yet. That has to improve if we want to make the play-offs.
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arc added 12:48 - Aug 22 I think if Luke gets one he'll suddenly get a bunch: he's getting himself into positions to score now but keeps panicking at the key moment.
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CavendishBlue added 12:55 - Aug 22 gibbo Skuse is already on -1 after that assist on Tuesday night!!!!
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Kentish_Tractor added 13:06 - Aug 22 If Hyam can hit the bar from 50 yards, then why can't he hit a 8 yard by 8 foot target from 25? I suppose the crossball challenge gives his shot time enough to dip.
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Michael11 added 13:10 - Aug 22 6 goals from central midfield is ambitious? Really!?
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brian_a_mul added 13:18 - Aug 22 Good man mgmt by MM. These initiatives will further improve team morale while also getting the players to be more ambitious in their general play. Lets see if this will make a difference without compromising our general solidity! Go team!
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Tufty added 13:32 - Aug 22 Best start tomorrow if they all made a start we would win 14-0 now that would be worth £100!
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OldClactonBlue added 13:38 - Aug 22 Bet the central defenders have got higher targets than the midfield defenders.
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itfc1981 added 14:46 - Aug 22 Six goals against Norwich seems a fair target.
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londonben added 14:49 - Aug 22 Might have to up Berra's target at this rate!
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battyblue added 14:50 - Aug 22 They will all be goals from the halfway line then.
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TimmyH added 14:55 - Aug 22 6 goals from a central midfield player in a team managed by MM - yes it is an incentive dreamt up by Mick as it will never happen, I don't even think the entire midfield scored 6 goals last season!
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