Harvey Rodgers has signed a new two-year deal at Accrington Stanley and wants to build on last season.
The 24-year-old, who can play at full-back or centre half, didn’t start season 2020/21 in the first eleven but got into the team regularly in November and was first choice for most of the games, although he was out with an injury in January.
Overall he made 29 appearances during the campaign where the Reds finished 11th, compared to just eight the season before.
“I was happy with the way last season went, I played a lot more games than I thought I was going to from the previous season,” said Rodgers.
“Even though I played in a position I am not used to as much, as it went on I enjoyed it a lot more and I am happy to sign another two years.
“It is hard when you aren’t playing, you have got to keep mentally strong and wait for your chances and then try and take them when they come and I think I did that a lot more last season.
“Hopefully I can get in the side earlier this season and stay there.
“There are times you start doubting yourself ‘are you good enough?’ when you are in and out of the team. Once you get a good run in the team, you start believing in yourself again and last season helped me a lot in that way.
“We have a good competition for defenders. Last season there was injuries which helped me get in the team, there are a lot of games and you can’t usually play every single game and it’s always good to have competition.”
Rodgers first came on loan to Stanley in 2017 from Hull City and will now be at the club until 2023.
“I can’t get away from the place! I do enjoy it here. The lads last year were a good set of lads, the best I have been with, and all the other lads will say the same. We were a close knit group and I think you could tell by the way we played for each other.”
He is relishing the new League One campaign with Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham and Wycombe relegated and Cheltenham, Cambridge, Bolton and Morecambe coming up.
“Three big teams dropped down from the Championship so it will be good to play against the likes of Sheffield Wednesday. That’s a big ground, a big club, but I feel we play better against the better teams and there is no reason why we can’t win there.”
And he can’t wait for the return of the fans to the Wham.
“It will be weird having them back but good as well and hopefully they can push us on and try and get us toward the Play-Offs.”
The full interview video with Harvey Rodgers is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!