Will Evans is targeting another positive season at Newport County after beginning pre-season training on Tuesday.
The former Wales C international was one of many players to begin their preparations for 2024-25 at Spytty this week – a group that included the likes of new signings Anthony Glennon, Jacob Carney and Kai Whitmore.
Having enjoyed time recharging the batteries over the summer, the No.7 is glad to be back with his teammates and putting in the hard yards, as they collectively set their sights on delivering success.
And the forward is eager to build on an encouraging second season at Rodney Parade that saw him score 25 goals in all competitions, including a memorable equalising strike against Manchester United in the FA Cup.
“It’s been great to be back,” said Evans. “It’s been a tough week, but it’s been great to be back in amongst it all.
“We’re in a bit of a transitional phase with the squad and the way we want to play, but everything has been positive so far.
“Pre-season is about making everyone feel welcome, helping new players settle in, and that’s certainly been the case this week.
“From what I’ve seen from the new signings so far has been impressive. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes at the club about bringing the right players in.
“I think the lads we’ve brought in will be good in the changing room and it’s about us all kicking on together now.
“I’m really excited for the new season. Last season was obviously a positive campaign for me, but it’s about building on that now and taking the confidence and momentum from last season.
“I’ll look back on my goals, and particularly the goal against Manchester United with fondness, but that’s in the past now and it’s a new season.
“It’s a new season which means new ambitions and new goals. It’s about getting as sharp as I can for pre-season ready to hit the ground running come August.”
Earlier this week, the Exiles announced the arrival of experienced coach Nelson Jardim to the club’s coaching staff.
Jardim, 45, arrived in NP19 as the club’s new Lead Coach after spells at Swansea City, Nacional, Birmingham City and Maritimo.
And Evans has been really impressed by what he has seen from the Portuguese.
“Nelson has been brilliant since he’s come in,” added Evans. “He’s set up meetings with us players and staff and has stamped down the authority in the way he wants the club to play.
“He wants to play really good, attacking football and wants us to press from the front.
“The sessions he has done so far have been really good and have shown clear signs of how he wants us to play as a team.
“For us, it’s about building on what we did last year and adding that extra step to our game.”