Andi Weimann, the Austrian forward with a remarkable career that includes scoring against Manchester United, dismantling Liverpool alongside Christian Benteke at Anfield, and netting against world champions France, maintains that the thrill of scoring remains unchanged. His recent headed goal for Cheltenham Town at Crawley Town was instrumental in guiding Steve Cotterill’s squad to their first away win of the season.
Reflecting on his goal, Weimann said, “Scoring a goal will always be nice. It was a really good ball in from Ships (Jordan Shipley) and all I tried to do was manage to get good contact and it was in.”
This marked Weimann’s second goal in two games for the Robins, following his opener from the penalty spot during the previous weekend’s 2-2 home draw with Grimsby Town. Additionally, he set up Charlie McCann’s second goal in the 54th minute at Crawley, making the score 3-1.
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Summer signing Charlie McCann, playing as a number 10 behind centre forward Weimann, has impressed by scoring six goals in as many League Two appearances for Cheltenham. Having spent his entire career in the top two tiers of English football, Weimann acknowledges McCann’s evident quality.
“Almost every shot Charlie has had this season has gone in,” said Weimann. “He’s been doing it in training when we’ve done drills, his finishing is always on point and you can tell he has a lot of confidence at the minute. With him in the 10 and me the 9, we are getting used to each other a bit more and I was happy to get the assist. Hopefully we can keep it going and if he keeps scoring in every game, it’ll be good for us.”
Weimann joined Cheltenham just before the League Two opener at home to Rotherham United and appeared off the bench in the first two matches. Since then, he has started four consecutive games. Despite missing pre-season training with a club, Weimann feels his dedicated fitness work has accelerated his return to match sharpness.
“I was really good in the off season, doing a lot of running and even after I retire I think I’ll be like that as I enjoy it, as long as the knees and the body hold up!” he said. “I think I must have been bored on the weekend and signed up for a half marathon two days before, so maybe getting that distance in has helped me, even if I felt it for a few days after. But I am feeling good now and I have played quite a few minutes in the last few weeks, so hopefully my fitness is getting better and better.”
Known for his selfless runs throughout his career, the 35-year-old insists quality takes precedence over quantity. “How the manager wants to play is really front foot with a lot of running and I am getting there in my old age!” he joked. “Throughout my career I’ve been really hard working. I don’t run too much total distance, but a lot of sprints and high intensity, which is exactly how the manager wants to play so it works for me. We’ve started the season well, but we want to keep improving, working hard for each other and let’s see how we go.”
Cheltenham Town are next scheduled to play Colchester United away in League Two on Saturday afternoon, kick-off at 3pm.