Aguiar admits loan spell helped him find goalscoring form

RICKY AGUIAR paid tribute to his loan spell with Chippenham Town in getting him ready for league football after the 20-year-old scored twice in Swindon’s 5-0 win against Walsall. Total Sport Swindon’s Joe Acklam got the thoughts of the goalscoring midfielder following the game.

Arriving relatively unknown to many in the summer, Aguiar has started the last two matches for Swindon and has grasped the opportunity with both hands, rounded off by bagging a brace in Town’s thumping win on Tuesday night.

Swindon put in a five-star performance against the Saddlers with the former Worthing man and Aston Villa loanee Louie Barry notching twice each and Jonny Williams scoring off the bench.

Aguiar felt that his time spent on loan at Chippenham during the first half of the season played a key role in preparing him to start playing for the Robins’ first team.

“I think just [adapting to] a whole new environment [was the biggest challenge]. I think it was definitely the right decision to go on loan,” said Aguiar.

“It was a massive confidence booster and then coming back since the New Year, it just fell into place for me.

“One of the main things when I got here that I was asked to work on was the physical side of things.

“I have done a lot of gym work and then obviously the loan helped with the physical side of the game,” he added.

“With the boys that I am playing with and the way that we play, it is one of the easier teams to play in because of how we move the ball. 

“I think the last few games showed that teams give up after a few goals go in, that’s what we have needed, and then we see how many go in,” he said.

Aguiar went on to explain how he was taken aback by his double salvo, but feels that those types of goals could become a more regular occurrence at the County Ground as he looks to help win promotion with Swindon this season.

“I score a few of them, but it was a great feeling. I couldn’t imagine doing that, but two goals is great.

“I am surprised he [Josh Davison] passed it to be fair.

“[For his second goal] It was great build-up play. I was running on the edge of the box, lucky for it to fall to me really. But it’s a great team goal,” said Aguiar.

The 20-year-old also commented that he had seen a notable change in mindset since the Tranmere defeat which has led to Swindon’s trio of victories.

He said: “I think everyone’s attitude [has changed a lot]. Just in training with the tempo and everyone wants it a lot more. 

“We realise that we can definitely still do it and I think it showed with the last three games how much we want it.”

Aguiar will be hoping to keep his place in Head Coach Ben Garner’s plans as Swindon welcomes Salford City to the County Ground at the weekend.