Gary Smith‘s first transfer activity of 2013 was to bring in highly rated young striker Sam Hoskins on loan from Premier League side Southampton. At the time, we were looking to strengthen our strike force after a bumpy run of form had impacted on the club’s playoff prospects. He signed for the rest of the season, with the Boro’ faithful very much hoping his presence could kick-start the new year with a bang and propel us back up the table. After all, scoring was one element that had deserted Boro’ as our form dipped.

Sam Hoskins: Before Boro’

The striker arrived at the Lamex having already tasted League football with Rotherham United during 2012, where he scored twice in eight outings. He also had an emergency loan spell at Preston North End the year before that, but injury stopped him from kicking a ball in anger. After the Millers, he returned to the Saints and continued to impress in the club’s development side. But the club still felt more loan action would be beneficial. And that explains how he came to us.