Matt Targett admits Middlesbrough moments like his goal at Preston North End feel all the more special after his recent ‘dark days’ at Newcastle United.
The left wing-back scored on what was his first start for Boro since joining on loan from Newcastle last month. It marks an excellent start for the 29-year-old, who also grabbed an assist on his debut against Sheffield United a fortnight ago too.
Targett’s move to Boro was inspired by his desire to play football regularly, and he was previously on record describing how tough the last two years had been on Tyneside after initially losing his place through injury and then being unable to regain it once fit again.
Speaking after his goal helped Boro earn a point at Deepdale, Targett said: “I just arrived late as we’re chasing the equaliser. TC made a good run but the defender blocked it. They hacked the clearance away, but luckily I was in the right place at the right time, got good contact with my right foot and it ends up in the bottom corner.
“It’s been a long time since I scored one and I’m not blessed with goalscoring ability! But I’m delighted to help the team. Obviously when you’re not playing and you have dark times, these moments are more special when they come. It’s not all highs in football. You inevitably have your lows. But you remember these moments and you build on them.”
The goal was Targett’s first in a competitive game since November 2021 and it helped Boro earn a point in Preston to uphold their unbeaten start to the new season. Targett’s was the first of two Boro equalisers as they came from behind twice against the Lilywhites. And former Championship promotion winner Targett is encouraged by the signs.
“I think it’s a sign of a good team, never knowing when you’re beaten,” he said. “We showed our character, the subs that came on had a massive impact and gave us real energy. If the first 11 aint going to do it then we know we’ve got a squad that means players can come off the bench and make a real impact.
“It’s great that we got the point. Obviously we came here to get all three, but it’s not the easiest place to come, as Ipswich and Leicester found out already. So to show the character we did, I think that’s the sign of a top team. Without getting carried away, we’re a good team.
“We’ve had a good start, but the very top teams go week after week, again and again. Consistently, we know what we have to do to end up where we want to be at the end of the season. We’re still building and we’re still learning about each other as players. I feel like we’ll only get stronger and stronger. We fight for each other.”
Targett has been on Teesside for just shy of three weeks now and as well as settling in and getting to know his new team-mates, he’s learning a relatively new position too - having played far more commonly as a full-back in his career, rather than a wing-back. Just playing matters most to Targett though.
He concluded: “It’s been easy to settle because they’re a great bunch of lads. There was quite a bit of change at the club this summer. But credit to the coaching staff and all the lads, they’ve all made me feel very welcome, which is great. It’s been pretty easy for me.
“The role is different. I would say my natural qualities aren’t as a one-vs-one attacker. I’d say I prefer it when I have someone to link up with. I have played it a few times before. It’s a tricky position. But, I’m enjoying it and I’m open to learning. I’m here to help the team. Hopefully I am doing that and continue to do so.”