New Northwich Victoria signing Jan McPherson provides Eithan Boulter-Ashcroft his thoughts on the new campaign, signing for his hometown club and a successful pre-season...

WHEN the opportunity arose to sign for the club, having watched every Saturday afternoon as a youngster, was it a no brainer for the 24-year-old?

McPherson: “It was an easy decision! A few teams had approached me for this season but growing up in Northwich, you always want to play for your local club.

"I played for the junior team as a kid and wanted to play for the first team growing up.

"When I was younger, I used to go every Saturday with my dad to watch the games so signing for them now means a lot.

"I am very happy to sign and can’t wait to get the season underway. I am 24 now, so I have a few years while I am at my best to get the club back up the leagues, and back to where they belong”.

After a fifth place finish last season, promotion is the aim for Steve Wilkes’ side having finished a strong pre-season with a 2-0 victory against Stockport County.

McPherson: “In my opinion it couldn’t have gone any better. I have settled in very well thanks to everyone being so welcoming.

"There is a good buzz within the dressing room. We only lost one game in pre-season, which is very positive for us as players and for the fans.

"We have looked sharp in our games and the lads have worked hard in training and the results reflect how hard we have worked.

"Pre-season for me has been a success too, scoring 3 goals in as many games. My goal against Stockport was big for me as I had my
family, my partner and her family come and watch for the first time so it was nice to score.

"I haven’t had the minutes I would have wanted but I reiterated to Scott, the coach, when I signed, I am ready to fight for the shirt and fight for a place in the starting 11 every week, so I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Vics start their season at home to Avro today hoping to get the new season off to the perfect start.

McPherson: “Having the opening game at home in front of the fans I can’t wait, what more would you want?

"I am sure they will bring a great atmosphere like they do every game, we have all worked hard in pre-season so we now need to take this into the opening game. I am sure we can come away with 3 points on the board if we play well, it will be a tough game of course, but we need to get the season off to a good start with a win."