Fleetwood Town's latest signing, Mark Roberts, watched from the sidelines at Flixton last night as his colleagues completed a 2-1 victory over Northwich Victoria in their first pre-season friendly:
'I'd had a week's training with Stevenage and on my own as things progressed before easing into training this morning (Thursday) with my new team mates at Fleetwood.'
The 29 year-old defender will have been forgiven for a little reminiscing as he watched Town win courtesy of goals from Jon Parkin and Jamille Matt:
'I remember playing here for Northwich Under 10s a long time ago! I was a centre forward in those days! Then, of course, I went on to play for Vics at first team level. It's the beauty of football. You never know what's around the next corner.'
'This is essentially a new set of lads for me. I've not played alongside any before and relationships can take time but I'm looking forward to Austria where I will get some match time and we will come back stronger as a unit having got to know each other so much better. This will make us stronger going forward.'
Fleetwood's success in recent years has impressed the former Stevenage player:
'Fleetwood has been the sort of club you sit up and take notice of, like Crawley and Stevenage. You look to them being successful. I believe that we achieved the impossible at Stevenage, coming out of the Conference and making a mark in the Football League. I sense that this can be done at Fleetwood and I want to be part of it.'
'I'm not someone who can just go through the motions. I want to be part of a winning team and I'll bring a never-say-die attitude as well as experience as a captain and leader. It's a new challenge for me and it's giving me a real buzz of excitement. I can't wait to start!'
Comments from Northwich supporters around the ground last night would suggest that Fleetwood have signed a player and a person of substance.
Photo - Roberts watches the second half at Flixton with his teammates.