Stanley summer signing Joe Pritchard is eyeing a big season at the Wham Stadium – and hopes it's a breakthrough one for his career.
The 22-year-old came through the ranks at Tottenham before signing for Bolton Wanderers last season and making five appearances for them, four in the Championship.
The attacking midfielder signed up to join Stanley in June and says he has enjoyed it so far – despite sitting out last night's Sligo defeat with a minor knock.
“It's been great to get stuck in. The first week was at the training ground, there was a few bits of training on the ground, then running through the trees and it was hard work," said Joe.
“Then we went to the army camp in Oxford, that was really good. I have never been to an army camp before, I was excited for the opportunity, it was tough, it was something different and I was working muscle groups I never knew I had. It was very painful!
“Going away has helped getting to know the lads, we spent the evenings together all watching Love Island! It's easy to get along with people and they make you feel welcome.
“What I need in my career is appearances. I need to get in the team, get the trust of the gaffer and play as many times as I can.
“I am 22 and I have said it's quite late in my career to make my first few starts in first team football. I really feel like I need to kick on and catch up in a way, it's important for me to start getting the games.
“I feel like I have a good attitude to how I assert myself on the pitch, I try to keep a good attitude and brush up on techniques and the physical side of the game and hopefully it will take me where it will take me.”