Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard has said he is delighted to have reached 20 league goals for the season, the first Robins player to reach the landmark in five years.
The club record signing hit his 21st goal in all competitions in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool on Sunday, as City ended a turbulent season in 10th place in the Championship.
Maynard struck in the 16th minute with a spectacular volley, but former Bristol Rovers favourite Ian Holloway’s side came back through a Brett Ormerod header to seal the final play-off spot at the expense of Swansea.
While Leroy Lita’s 24 strikes in 2004/05 were netted in League One, Maynard – in only his second Championship season since arriving on a £2.25million transfer from Crewe in August 2008 – joins Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham as the league’s top scorers.
The last City player to win that accolade was ‘Super’ Bob Taylor in 1990, who won the award outright after hitting 27 goals in City’s Third Division promotion season.
Maynard told the official club website: “Obviously I’m delighted with the way this season has gone personally. Now my task is to try and improve on the 21 goals I’ve scored this season when the new campaign begins in August.”
caretaker boss Keith Millen said City’s 1-1 draw was a satisfactory end to the campaign. He will hand over the reins on May 11 as Steve Coppell begins as City manager.
He said: “I’m proud of the commitment the lads showed in a difficult game today. The pitch was poor and there was a swirling wind. But the lads battled through it and showed a good spirit – one we’ll need next season.