JERRY Yates has stated that the current campaign with Swindon Town has been by far the most successful and enjoyable time of his career as a professional footballer.

With 11 goals in all competitions to his name from 22 appearances so far, Yates’ one goal for every two games played this term is the most impressive ratio he has achieved in his five seasons as a pro.

The 23-year-old notched his first brace since Boxing Day 2018 just under a fortnight ago as Richie Wellens’ side downed a poor Grimsby Town outfit 3-0 at Blundell Park.

Other notable performances occurred in Town’s 3-2 win at Salford City in addition to the club’s outstanding 4-0 success over Crawley Town in November and October respectively.

Ironically, it was Yates’ sending off when Town played Colchester United in the first round of the Carabao Cup all the way back in August that prompted League Two’s top goalscorer Eoin Doyle to link up with the County Ground outfit.

Doyle was used as appropriate cover for Yates amid the three-match ban following his sending off at the Colchester Community Stadium.

There is no doubting that the pair have formed a formidable partnership up front for Town, and Yates insists the positive energy generated on the pitch is making his Wiltshire experience his best yet.

Yates, who is on a season-long loan from Rotherham United, said: “As long as I’m playing well, that’s when the fans show you a bit more love.

“It’s more of the team’s involvement with the fans, I feel like everyone is getting a lot of praise at the moment. That is nice to see.

“It will be massive if I can get a League Two promotion on my CV. The way the season has gone, there is no other team I would rather be with.

“It’s been the most successful and enjoyable season so far, as far as my career goes. I 100 per cent want to win promotion with this team. I hope that can be done.”

Prior to joining Town, Yates was instructed by manager Wellens that the club’s sole aim this season was to achieve promotion into League One.

Wellens’ ambition understandably impressed Yates, and he is delighted to have followed his summer gut instinct.

“Richie said to me straight away that he will have a good, strong team in place with an aim to win promotion this season,” said Yates.

“I bought into that ambition straight away.

“And as soon as I met him, I said I wanted to join the club.

“Eoin’s support is massive, his numbers are unreal. As a player and a team-mate, you can’t ask for anyone better.

“I’m very complimentary of him, and he helps me to learn also.”