John Marquis joked after his brace against MK Dons that his excellent second goal was probably the furthest out he’s ever scored from in his career, and he took the shot from that distance because he didn’t have the requisite pace to pull away from the defender having started his run from just outside the centre circle.
Unlike many of Joey Barton’s signings at Rovers, Marquis arrived in north Bristol with his reputation and playing style very much recognised and established; six full seasons in League One with Doncaster Rovers, Portsmouth and latterly Lincoln City and a record of 78 goals in 238 games at this level - 13th on the all-time list.
He was, unlike all his colleagues in the striker’s department, seemingly a ready-made finisher and player; a fox-in-the-box penalty area presence who can nick a goal out of nothing and provide a new and different goal threat for the Gas. While that is partially true, it’s also a little unfair on him. Because even at 30, he wants to be more than the John Marquis everyone thinks they know.
