Tom Collins is aiming high

Collins moved from Hayes and Yeading to COunty earlier this month and here is what the striker has to say about his new club:

'I came off the pitch after Hayes & Yeading's final game of last season, which was at home against County, thinking what a great team they were.

'They were very well organised, a good passing side and played attack-minded football. I was massively impressed. And then a couple of hours later I was in talks to sign for them - it really was a bit of a dream move for me, to be honest.

'I met Jim Gannon a couple of times over the next week or two and was really excited by his vision for a young, hungry, energetic team playing exciting counter-attacking football. To be honest, it sounded like a perfect fit.'

That dream quickly became a reality as Collins signed on the dotted line for County on June 9 and the young entertainer has promised the Cheadle End won't be disappointed when he turns out in Stockport's blue and white next season.

'I'm looking to get at least 15 goals next season. I'm hoping to play in the hole behind the main striker but I can play anywhere in the front third of the pitch,' he continued.

'I've come here to play in a team pushing for promotion and from what I've seen, already playing against them at the end of last season, I'm 100% convinced that's a realistic aim.'

He's quick to counter any claims that he's just an entertainer though.

'I certainly won't back out of taking a player on and trying to beat him,' he explained.

'But I am here first and foremost to help this team win games. If I see a team-mate in a better position, then they'll get the ball from me, no problem. I'm very much a team player, which is exactly what the gaffer wants from all his players here.

'Of course I like to entertain the crowd, especially one the size of Stockport County's and, I have to admit, I love scoring goals - who doesn't? But I had a great assists record last season too.

'The way I see it, if I help Stockport County win games, score a few goals and help set up opportunities for the other strikers, then that will keep the fans entertained in the best way possible.'

Collins is yet to meet and greet the rest of his team-mates at Edgeley Park but moves up north to live in a shared house with a few of the other young players recently signed up.

'Two days later I'm in to train with the team for the first time. I can't wait for that,' Collins added.

'Everyone in the Conference is talking about this great young team the gaffer is putting together and, having played against them - even though the team was still being assembled - towards the end of last season, I can see that with the new players we've added we're going to be ones to watch when the season kicks off.

'I've signed for two years initially and I'm 100% convinced that we'll get promoted in that time. I'm pretty sure we'll be pushing for play offs this time and, who knows, if we get a bit of luck it might just be our year this time round.

'It's a privilege to be part of all this and, to be honest, I just can't wait to pull on that shirt and get cracking.'

Credit to Blue Square Premier News.

Animo et Fide

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