" Cardiff City star Nicky Maynard "
Sun May 05, 2013 9:43 pm
Cardiff City star Nicky Maynard on long-awaited return: 'I was like at a kid at Christmas'
Cardiff City striker Nicky Maynard was a delighted man after making his first-team return and scoring against Hull City
Nicky Maynard ended his personal nightmare by scoring Cardiff’s equaliser at Hull and admitted: “I was like a kid at Christmas out there.”
The £2.75m striker that manager Malky Mackay insists would have fired 20-plus goals had he not been so cruelly sidelined this season returned to Championship action after eight months out.
“It’s a massive psychological boost to play and score,” said Maynard after sweeping home a spot-kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
“I’ve been itching to do this, dying to play and hit the back of the net.
“Now I go into the summer with great memories of that goal.
“That’s going to help so much over the summer before we report back for pre-season.”
Maynard played in only two and a half matches last September before suffering a serious knee injury at Millwall.
He has battled back and will follow his own fitness programme over the summer before reporting back a week earlier than other Bluebirds’ players.
“Club staff have given me a special programme to follow, designed to help maintain my knee and keep it stable,” he said.
“I’ll mix resting with following my programme and will come back a week early to sharpen things up ready for long haul.”
Maynard took over from Craig Noone at Hull with six minutes left, a big release after so long battling back from cruciate damage.
“Just being out on the pitch was massive,” he said.
“It was such a big injury after only two and a half games for Cardiff.
“The manager, staff and players were brilliant – and we are incredibly tight as a group.
“That was shown when the players gave me the ball for that penalty.
“I didn’t know whether we had a designated penalty taker with Whitts (Whittingham) not out there and a few of the lads said I should take it.
“I’m not one to turn a chance like that away. It’s been a long eight months and it felt great to cap off the season with that goal.”
Maynard was talking outside the away changing room at the KC Stadium amid incredible scenes.
There were whoops of joy and ecstatic celebrations as Hull players went wild after clinching promotion; Maynard matching that delight after returning ahead of schedule.
He was promoted with West Ham via the play-offs last season, but wasn’t given a chance at Premier League level and is now aiming to make the breakthrough at Cardiff.
“I know I can crack it in the Premier,” said Maynard.
“I believe in the ability I have, I hope to get my chance and will do all I can to take it.
“I didn’t get a fair crack at West Ham and didn’t play in the Premier League.
“Malky Mackay was a massive reason I wanted to sign for Cardiff because I felt this squad would press on for promotion.
“This promotion has been earned as a team and we will stick together.
“There are no big egos here and that’s why we have been the best team in Championship football.
“We are there now, we are a Premier League team and we will stick together. None of the players will get big time.
“West Ham stabilised in the top flight and Southampton are almost there. Cardiff can do the same.
“We will do all we can to find and give an extra one, two, three per cent.”
Maynard, 28, started his career with Crewe and scored 32 goals in 52 starts, netted 45 in 111 matches for Bristol City and joined West Ham in January 2012.
More than £6.5m has been paid in transfer fees for him and Maynard is determined to take his Premier League chance next season.
“There are no problems with the knee whatsoever now and I’ll be back for pre-season ready to go,” he said.
“I’ve been fit and training for a few weeks and I couldn’t be happier to have played - and scored – at Hull.
“That will give me even more impetus and drive take my chance in the Premier League next season.”
Cardiff City striker Nicky Maynard was a delighted man after making his first-team return and scoring against Hull City
Nicky Maynard ended his personal nightmare by scoring Cardiff’s equaliser at Hull and admitted: “I was like a kid at Christmas out there.”
The £2.75m striker that manager Malky Mackay insists would have fired 20-plus goals had he not been so cruelly sidelined this season returned to Championship action after eight months out.
“It’s a massive psychological boost to play and score,” said Maynard after sweeping home a spot-kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
“I’ve been itching to do this, dying to play and hit the back of the net.
“Now I go into the summer with great memories of that goal.
“That’s going to help so much over the summer before we report back for pre-season.”
Maynard played in only two and a half matches last September before suffering a serious knee injury at Millwall.
He has battled back and will follow his own fitness programme over the summer before reporting back a week earlier than other Bluebirds’ players.
“Club staff have given me a special programme to follow, designed to help maintain my knee and keep it stable,” he said.
“I’ll mix resting with following my programme and will come back a week early to sharpen things up ready for long haul.”
Maynard took over from Craig Noone at Hull with six minutes left, a big release after so long battling back from cruciate damage.
“Just being out on the pitch was massive,” he said.
“It was such a big injury after only two and a half games for Cardiff.
“The manager, staff and players were brilliant – and we are incredibly tight as a group.
“That was shown when the players gave me the ball for that penalty.
“I didn’t know whether we had a designated penalty taker with Whitts (Whittingham) not out there and a few of the lads said I should take it.
“I’m not one to turn a chance like that away. It’s been a long eight months and it felt great to cap off the season with that goal.”
Maynard was talking outside the away changing room at the KC Stadium amid incredible scenes.
There were whoops of joy and ecstatic celebrations as Hull players went wild after clinching promotion; Maynard matching that delight after returning ahead of schedule.
He was promoted with West Ham via the play-offs last season, but wasn’t given a chance at Premier League level and is now aiming to make the breakthrough at Cardiff.
“I know I can crack it in the Premier,” said Maynard.
“I believe in the ability I have, I hope to get my chance and will do all I can to take it.
“I didn’t get a fair crack at West Ham and didn’t play in the Premier League.
“Malky Mackay was a massive reason I wanted to sign for Cardiff because I felt this squad would press on for promotion.
“This promotion has been earned as a team and we will stick together.
“There are no big egos here and that’s why we have been the best team in Championship football.
“We are there now, we are a Premier League team and we will stick together. None of the players will get big time.
“West Ham stabilised in the top flight and Southampton are almost there. Cardiff can do the same.
“We will do all we can to find and give an extra one, two, three per cent.”
Maynard, 28, started his career with Crewe and scored 32 goals in 52 starts, netted 45 in 111 matches for Bristol City and joined West Ham in January 2012.
More than £6.5m has been paid in transfer fees for him and Maynard is determined to take his Premier League chance next season.
“There are no problems with the knee whatsoever now and I’ll be back for pre-season ready to go,” he said.
“I’ve been fit and training for a few weeks and I couldn’t be happier to have played - and scored – at Hull.
“That will give me even more impetus and drive take my chance in the Premier League next season.”
Re: " Cardiff City star Nicky Maynard "
Sun May 05, 2013 9:51 pm
Annis, we need 'hungry' for next season and Maynard certainly fits the bill after a toubled year 
Malky has built a resilient squad and they appear to want to do well for him. A few wise additions this summer will hopefully see us have a successful first season in The Premier League
Malky has built a resilient squad and they appear to want to do well for him. A few wise additions this summer will hopefully see us have a successful first season in The Premier League
Re: " Cardiff City star Nicky Maynard "
Sun May 05, 2013 10:32 pm
It's great in what may be the best Cardiff City season ever a goal in a match that didn't matter is still a huge moment for us and the team
Re: " Cardiff City star Nicky Maynard "
Mon May 06, 2013 9:43 pm
Great report. Was there when Nicky got injured at Millwall, and on Saturday at Hull. It will be like having a new striker next season. Can't fault the lad, top professional.
Re: " Cardiff City star Nicky Maynard "
Tue May 07, 2013 9:43 am
Great for him to get a goal in what has been a horrific season for him no doubt .
.