Ivan Toney emphasizes that his primary focus at the moment is to repay Brentford’s trust in him as he gears up for his comeback to football after an eight-month suspension due to gambling-related issues.
Since May, Toney has been out of action, having admitted to 232 violations of the FA’s betting regulations. However, he is now just a few days away from his return, possibly against Nottingham Forest on January 20.
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His comeback coincides with a crucial January transfer window for the club, as Thomas Frank strives to retain his valuable asset amid persistent interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
Brentford has reportedly set a £100 million price tag on the striker, who netted 20 goals in the previous Premier League season.
Despite this, Toney affirms that his singular focus is on reciprocating the support he received from the club and Frank during his hiatus.
‘Thomas Frank has been nothing but the biggest help I could have asked for – the whole club has,’ the striker said, speaking with Sky Sports and the Daily Mirror.
‘From putting on extra sessions for me, from taking their time out to put a session on and go outside when it’s raining when they’re not supposed to be in.
‘I have a lot to repay them and I can’t wait to try and do that.’
He added: ‘The fans were also behind me. Even when I wasn’t at their games, they were singing my name.
‘A friend of mine sent me a video of the fans singing my name, I got goosebumps to know that they’re still behind me, even though I’m not there.’
Toney reenters the starting lineup during a crucial period for the Bees, as the club finds itself only four points clear of the relegation zone following a solitary victory in their last eight league matches.
The injury to Bryan Mbuemo, sidelining the forward until March, has exacerbated the team’s challenges, leaving them with limited attacking choices.
However, Toney, who showcased his scoring prowess with a hat-trick in a recent closed-doors match for Brentford, is optimistic that his comeback can ignite the team and propel them clear of the relegation threat.
‘With Brentford, they’re struggling at the moment but I’m sure when I’m back I will play a big part to get them out of the losing form they’ve been in,’ he added. ‘I can’t wait to get back and be helping my team-mates.
‘Everybody at Brentford knows I will do my best to try and get the club out of the sticky patch we’re in.’
