The signing of Marcus Stewart at Bristol City, some 18 months ago, was seen by the Ashton Gate faithful as one of the most exciting captures in recent years. However, the arrival of manager Gary Johnson led to the former Ipswich and Sunderland striker falling down the pecking order at the West Country club and it soon became clear that Stewart was not in Johnson's long-term plans. A successful loan spell at League One rivals Yeovil this season has brought an end to Bristol-born Stewart's frustrating spell at City, as the 33-year-old has agreed a deal to join the Glovers on a permanent basis in January. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with the man who just six years ago finished runner-up to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the Premiership's Golden Boot race.
Q:YOU MUST BE PLEASED TO HAVE AGREED A DEAL TO JOIN YEOVIL?
A:I am, although it's frustrating that I won't be able to play until after January. I'm still training every day and keeping myself fit, but there is no substitute for playing first team matches.
Q:ARE YOU ALLOWED TO PLAY IN RESERVE TEAM MATCHES UNTIL JANUARY?
A:I can play in reserve team matches and obviously I want to get as many games under my belt as possible to try and maintain my fitness. The problem over the Christmas period is that a lot of clubs cancel their reserve games because they need all their squad as cover for what is the most hectic time in the season.
Q:WHAT WAS THE REASON BEHIND YOU BEING UNABLE TO PLAY UNTIL THEN?
A:I'm not really sure, but that was the way the deal was struck between the two clubs. Obviously it's not ideal for me, but I'll just have to get on with it. The way the fixtures have fallen I don't think I will be playing now until January 5, if selected of course.
Q:YOU MUST BE RELIEVED TO PUT YOUR FRUSTRATING SPELL AT CITY BEHIND YOU?
A:It was a difficult time for me but these things happen in football and you have to move on. I've scored goals at every club I've been at throughout my career, but it didn't happen for me at City. When I wasn't selected to go on the pre-season tour with City I knew then that the writing was on the wall.
Q:DID YOU ENJOY YOUR LOAN SPELL AT YEOVIL?
A:Yes I did and it was nice to be playing regular first team football again. I managed to score five goals in 13 matched and overall I was pleased with my contribution. I think their style of play suits me – they are team that defend well and can soak up pressure, which means the strikers have an opportunity to hit sides on the break.
Q:ARE YOU CONFIDENT YEOVIL CAN MAINTAIN THEIR PROMOTION BID?
A:I hope so. At the moment we're in sixth place, just three points off third spot, so it's a question of sticking to the job and keep picking up the points. We need to have a good Christmas period to stay in touch with the teams at the top of the table and then in the New Year we'll see if we can kick on.
Q:DO YOU HAVE A BIG ENOUGH SQUAD TO COPE WITH THE HECTIC SCHEDULE OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS?
A:We don't have a particularly big squad so it's important that we stay clear of injuries and suspensions. The problem with picking up injuries and suspensions is that the manager is forced to go out and sign loan players and they sometimes take a little bit of time to settle in. Having said that, striker Leon Best has come in on loan and settled in very quickly, scoring two goals in his last two games.
