Following his release from Crewe Alexandra, attacking midfielder Billy Waters feels he has something to prove in his new adventure with Cheltenham Town.
Although he was the standout performer at the start of last season in a struggling Crewe side, a change in formation and injuries limited his opportunities going forward.
He has taken two steps down in the football ladder to secure first team football and he wants to prove himself at all levels.
“Things didn’t work out as well as I would have liked them to at Crewe," Waters said.
“I always loved being there, but it wasn’t meant to be. Now, I have got something to prove at this level, and every level of football I play at. There definitely is something to prove, and I have the hunger to prove it.”
Epsom-born Waters moved to Cheltenham along with 11 other new signings this year. Other players who have arrived at Cheltenham have been very complimentary of the squad rapport and the setting of the club.
"I’m really enjoying it, I love it down here," Waters said. "I’m really enjoying my football, I feel like we’ve all settled in to the team and all got to know each other, and started to enjoy each other’s company and I think that shows on the pitch.”
Boss Gary Johnson is building a balanced squad mixed with young players and experienced heads. Despite relegation from the Football League, he has still managed to bring ex-League players to the club.
Waters admits part of the reason he joined was down to Johnson and the club’s ambition. “He called me and showed interest, and when a manager like him shows that kind of interest, you want to play for them," he said.
“He really sold the club to me, and laid down his intentions. We both wanted to go the same way, it’s important to have that understanding.”
With three wins from four friendlies ahead of Saturday's home match against Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham have scored an impressive 14 goals and looked like a solid side.
Friendly line-ups so far also indicate the Robins could start the opening game of the season with 11 debutants, and the former Railwayman has been singing the praises of his fellow new signings.
“We’ve been doing well in games, I think we more than held our own against Sheffield United," he said.
"We’ve got a lot of energy and a lot of work rate. Amari Morgan-Smith and Danny Wright are relentless in their pressing and they do brilliantly to win the ball back and you’ve got myself, Jack Munns, Harry Pell and Kyle Storer to get the ball to them, or win it back."