Goalkeeper Joe Fryer joined United on loan from Middlesbrough this morning and was thrown straight in at the deep end as he joined his new team mates for the first day of pre-season training.
Speaking about the move, he said: “I’m delighted to be here.
"The opportunity cropped up a few days ago and as soon as I heard about it I said yes - without hesitation."
Having had loan spells with Hartlepool and Stevenage over the past 18 months, he told us: “It does help that I already know this level.
"I feel like I’ve got a bit of experience now and I’m comfortable with dealing with the pressures of the league.
“There is a competitive edge around League Two football, which you don’t usually find in under-23 football. Men’s football is totally different, so I feel it’s important to come out and get this kind of experience."
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot during the last 18 months," he continued. "I’ve basically turned from a boy to a man after the two loan moves and hopefully I can keep progressing during my time here.
“Depending on where you are in the league there are different sorts of pressures. If you’re at the top end there's a pressure to get promoted, and if you’re at the bottom you’re scrapping for survival.
"There are pressures wherever you are in the league and they’re all just different experiences as far as I'm concerned."
On what he hopes to bring to the team, he said: “I’ll hopefully bring a bit of composure to the side. Also I hope the back four will keep comfortable with me behind them, and that will help them play how they want to play.
“I know there’ll be another keeper coming in and it will be about competing for the number one shirt. I’ll train as well as I can every day and make sure if I do get that shirt I keep hold of it so that I go on to play week in, week out."
And with everyone at the club openly talking about a promotion push, he said: “When I spoke to the gaffer it was clear that his ambition was to get promoted.
"Then, when I spoke to Middlesbrough, I said I wanted to be at a club which was going to be chasing promotion, because I’m desperate for some success this season.
"The manager is a winner with vast experience, so it was a no-brainer to come here really. The gaffer is adamant that he wants us to be successful this season and that suits me. It's exactly the same as what I want.
"I haven’t come here just to get experience. I’ve come to win and to help to get this team promoted."
“It’s good that I’m coming in at the start of pre-season so I’ve got time to get to know the rest of the lads," he concluded. "I’ll get to know their strengths and weaknesses as well as their personalities, so it’s a perfect time to come in.
"I’m not really a fan of the heat but I’m sure it will be enjoyable! I enjoy being around new crowds in new environments so I’m sure I’ll thrive off it.”
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