New signing Darren Carter has shared his excitement at joining Cheltenham Town.
Few expected to see Darren Carter signing for Cheltenham Town this morning but few can be as happy as Darren who is looking to re-ignite his career.The former Birmingham and West Brom midfielder has only ever played in the two top divisions of English football but an injury whilst trialling for Nottingham Forest knocked him out for the season. His torn adductor muscle is now full healed and the 28 year-old has been training with his former club Birmingham this summer and he even made an appearance against the Robins a few weeks ago.
For Darren it is a fresh start and a chance to play football once again after a rocky few years but the midfielder told us that playing for Cheltenham Town was an exciting prospect.
"I'm delighted to be here," he said.
"I'm ready to go now. It has been a long pre-season but it has been a good one for me. I'm excited to be here and now I just want to get into it and get some games."
The injury was a massive hurdle for Darren to overcome and he enjoyed some media work during his time out of the game but it was clear that a life without football wasn't what he wanted.
The manager revealed that Darren had been accommodating with his contract at the club and it says a lot for a player desperate to do what he does best.
"I've missed playing the game so much after the year I have had and to be away not being able to play has been frustrating," he explained.
"I'm fully fit now and ready to go but to be at a club with big ambitions is important for me. I'm excited to be here first and foremost but I can't wait to get back out there and playing football.
"I want to get myself involved and become part of this team - that is the first thing I want to do. It's great for me to know there is a game coming so quickly and I'm looking forward to getting to know the lads over the next few days. I'll focus my energy now ready to play a part on Saturday."
Darren is something of a legend at Birmingham City having started his career with the club and remaining close with his former employers ever since.
His summer trial spell with the Blues under Lee Clark went well and many of the club's supporters wanted to see a contract handed to the midfielder but things didn't work out and, despite serious interest from other clubs, Darren joined Cheltenham Town this morning to aid them in the 2012-13 npower League Two campaign.
"It's great to be close to home and to be part of a club wanting promotion," said Darren.
"I just want to get back out on that pitch and hopefully I can be successful with Cheltenham Town Football Club."
You can watch the full interview with Darren on Robins Player shortly.