Michael Reindorf’s senior debut certainly made an impression.
Not only did the young striker make his mark for parent club Cardiff City, when he was substituted on in the Carabao Cup second round back in August, but also caught the eye of the opposition that day too.
So much so that Reindorf would end up joining that very side, Bristol Rovers, on loan just a few short months later.
“I made my debut for Cardiff City against Bristol Rovers in the Carabao Cup earlier this season,” he reflected. “I had a lot of nerves that day but I feel like I made an impact when I came on in that game and did very well. I think I caught the eye that day which is always a nice feeling.
“Obviously, I was focused on my debut and my performance, but I can remember watching from the bench and thinking Rovers were playing some good football and trying to do things in the right way. They were holding their own against a Championship side, which can be tough, and I was impressed.”
With four appearances for the Bluebirds, the opportunity to head out on loan presented itself in January. Rovers were not the only club interested but, as Deadline Day approached, the switch to the Gas became a possibility.
It was an opportunity Reindorf was only too happy to grab.
“The move here was very hectic. I found out on the Monday - Deadline Day - that I was going to be travelling to Bristol to sign with Rovers. I was very excited for the move and got myself down here as quickly as I could. I’m pleased to be here and playing for the Gas.
“Everyone at Bristol Rovers has been treating me very well. I’m really enjoying my time here. The whole Club has been very welcoming, the coaches and players have been really good with me, and the fans I’ve met have also been so kind as well. I’m really enjoying it here.”
And so, the 19-year-old has been working tirelessly at The Quarters, training hard under the watchful eye of Head Coach Iñigo Calderón as he looks to make the most of his time with the Pirates.
Amidst the other attacking options available in the blue-and-white quarters, Reindorf has been truly relishing learning from Chis Martin.
“Chris is class,” he continued. “I’m loving working with him. Every training session, I feel like I’m learning a lot from him. Day by day, I get to take in a lot with him giving me so many good pointers and bits of advice. He’s a great guy to learn from and I’m pleased to have the chance to do so.
“I played alongside him away to Wycombe Wanderers and that was a very good experience. We were unlucky to not get the result but I learned a lot from that game, and I think the rest of the squad did too. In that regard, there were positives to take for sure.”
Having made his debut against Stockport County, Reindorf played close to 30 minutes in defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening. He is hoping his efforts are pushing him even closer to that first start for the Pirates.
A first goal cannot be too far away either for the forward. Goals are a striker’s lifeblood, after all, and nothing would make Reindorf happier than netting against Northampton Town this weekend.
“I feel my appearances so far have been good,” Reindorf added. “The gaffer has brought in a new playing style and he wants us to use the ball effectively, which I’m trying to do. It’s my first time at this level as well and I’m enjoying the challenge of League One football. It’s great for my development.
“With where we are in the league, we need to get as many points as we can on the board as quickly as possible. Saturday is a big test for us against a team who are also fighting to get away from those bottom places, so it’ll be a tough game. We want to show what we’re capable of. That starts on the training pitch. We need to be together on the training pitch and buy in to what the gaffer says, and then replicate that on Saturday.
“When I made my debut against Stockport, I felt the fans were really on my side. I really appreciated that. Game by game, I hope I can keep improving and showing them what I’m about and hopefully I can get my first goal soon. If I got that on Saturday, and it was the winning goal, that would mean the world to me.”
