New-signing Joel Coleman is hoping that his traits of being a leader from the back will help Fleetwood Town progress.
The 24-year-old joins up with the Cod Army on a two-year deal, with the club holding an option to sign him up for a further year.
Coleman has spent the last four years at Huddersfield Town, and notably played in their 2016/17 Championship play-off campaign which earned them a place in the Premier League.
Coleman sat down for his first interview after signing. Here is what he had to say…
On the move…
“I’m happy it’s all done and dusted now. I’ve been here for a week now and the training ground is unbelievable, and the lads have been amazing. I’m just hoping that we can push this year and do one better than the club did last season.
“I played on Saturday against Stockport and he [Joey Barton] said that he likes my style of play, he encourages you to play out from the back and that’s what I want to do as well.
“I enjoyed the game on the weekend and hope that there is more like that to come. I’m looking forward to the challenge, nothing is a given at League One, it’s a good standard and you need to earn your spot.”
On what he can bring to the side…
“I can bring a lot of experience to the side. I’ve been in and around it now for a lot of years now. I broke through at Oldham when I was 19 and have since been at Huddersfield, where I played for four years.
“I need to do it everyday in training and showcase my talents on matchdays. There is a good keeper already here at Fleetwood, and even though I want to be playing games, I have to prove myself here.
“I feel like I’m a leader on the pitch who is constantly encouraging and talking to the lads – that’s what I have to do here. I have to lead from the back and we also have some senior players here who leaders are as well so we all need to make sure that we are heading in the same direction.
On the squad…
“They are a great set of lads here and there’s a lot of talent in the dressing room so I’m hoping we’ll have a good season.
“It’s been good this week, with me and Alex [Cairns] pushing each other and we will see who the manager picks.
“From day one, I’ve enjoyed training with David Lucas and I’m just looking forward to the season and progressing my game as well, and hopefully keep some clean sheets along the way.”