Richie Wellens has challenged Dion Conroy to push on this season after an impressive end to the 2018/19 campaign.
Conroy signed a new one-year deal with the club after he was offered terms following his stellar form in the back end of the term.
The 23-year-old’s form was a key factor in an upturn in Town’s season following the Swindon boss’ appointment in November.
“Last season he had a six or seven out of ten season but it’s time for him now to be a nine out of ten because he’s certainly got the capability.
“I think his potential is huge – because he came from Chelsea it took him a little bit of time, definitely under me, to adjust. Something’s hit home with Dion and I’m really looking forward to working with him – I think his mentality is stronger, maybe because of the things he had to go through to get to where he did at the end of the season.
“We’re pleased to have him but he can’t just sit and be happy with what he’s got – he needs to really push on because he’s a player I really rate.”
When Wellens first arrived he gave Conroy the ‘tough treatment’ in a bid to improve his form and his mentality – something the 39-year-old gaffer believed did the trick.
“It’s always down to the players – we can give them the right information and ask certain things but if the players don’t take on board what we’re asking them to do, we can only manage that by weighing up what different people need.
“Dion, I showed him the hard treatment – I left him out of the squad and he bounced back and his fitness really improved.
“I’m hoping that when he comes back that I seem him lean – I’ve heard he’s dyed his hair yellow which I hope is, by the time I see him back to dark because he’ll be fined if he’s got yellow hair.
“On a serious note, he’s got the attributes to play at a higher level – let’s see him knock out 40 to 50 games and all of a sudden we’ve got a 23-year-old who can be a real asset for us.”
