Adam Newton admits that this season is a "make or break"
one for him.
The right wing back cum midfielder, who spent most of last season on loan at Notts. County - Friday's friendly opponents - is desperate to fulfil the expectations of fans who fully expected him to follow former youth team mates Joe Cole and Michael Carrick into the first team.
Talking of last season's spell in the Midlands, he says:
"It was quite good in a way and quite bad in a way; I played about 20 games, which is something, but I wanted to really prove myself there and I spent some time sitting on the bench.
"It wasn't a waste of time but I went down there to play and I wasn't doing that every week.
"But it is the manager's decision, and when I was on the pitch I really wanted to show what I could do.
"I managed that in glimpses but I couldn't do it to the full extent in terms of being creative.
"What I enjoy most is creating opportunities for myself and for other people; I like to be really involved, but I tended to be stuck out on the wing for much of the time."
But, although Adam has thus far only been involved in the reserves, he is approaching the new campaign with optimism and adds:
"This season it is a new chapter for everybody with everyone fighting to show Glenn what they can do, so I don't think last season will have much of an influence on this.
"From a personal point of view I just want to start afresh; it is a make or break year for me with my contract coming up next summer.
"So I want to get into the first team squad as much as I can to get some action and hopefully prove that I am worth another contract.
"But everyone in football has their own opinion, from the chairman down to your own team mates.
"You just have to impress everybody."
Adam is happy with the summer appointment of Glenn Roeder as boss, and adds:
"Glenn is a good coach, and you can learn a lot from him as he has coached at England level."
Glenn, of course, was caretaker for the last game of last season and Adam was in the young squad, although he didn't make it to the bench.
"It was different for that last game at Middlesbrough," he says.
"The team talk and preparation was more about tactical awareness.
"It was little things, nothing major, but Glenn reassured people about their jobs.
"I was surprised when Harry left because you thought everything was going OK, with relegation avoided and everyone looking forward to the new season.
"He went on the day I was due to meet him for a chat.
"I got on well with him and thought he was a good manager."
Although Adam has seen Michael Carrick and Joe Cole go on to a regular first team place and full England recognition, he insists he is not jealous and adds:
"I always encourage Michael and Joe - I want them to do well because I have grown up with them.
"I feel really pleased that they have done and wish them good luck.
"I'm not too sure about whether everyone expected me to follow them that but if people say it that's nice.
"If I get the opportunity I'm sure I wouldn't let the Glenn down, or the team."
The right wing back cum midfielder, who spent most of last season on loan at Notts. County - Friday's friendly opponents - is desperate to fulfil the expectations of fans who fully expected him to follow former youth team mates Joe Cole and Michael Carrick into the first team.
Talking of last season's spell in the Midlands, he says:
"It was quite good in a way and quite bad in a way; I played about 20 games, which is something, but I wanted to really prove myself there and I spent some time sitting on the bench.
"It wasn't a waste of time but I went down there to play and I wasn't doing that every week.
"But it is the manager's decision, and when I was on the pitch I really wanted to show what I could do.
"I managed that in glimpses but I couldn't do it to the full extent in terms of being creative.
"What I enjoy most is creating opportunities for myself and for other people; I like to be really involved, but I tended to be stuck out on the wing for much of the time."
But, although Adam has thus far only been involved in the reserves, he is approaching the new campaign with optimism and adds:
"This season it is a new chapter for everybody with everyone fighting to show Glenn what they can do, so I don't think last season will have much of an influence on this.
"From a personal point of view I just want to start afresh; it is a make or break year for me with my contract coming up next summer.
"So I want to get into the first team squad as much as I can to get some action and hopefully prove that I am worth another contract.
"But everyone in football has their own opinion, from the chairman down to your own team mates.
"You just have to impress everybody."
Adam is happy with the summer appointment of Glenn Roeder as boss, and adds:
"Glenn is a good coach, and you can learn a lot from him as he has coached at England level."
Glenn, of course, was caretaker for the last game of last season and Adam was in the young squad, although he didn't make it to the bench.
"It was different for that last game at Middlesbrough," he says.
"The team talk and preparation was more about tactical awareness.
"It was little things, nothing major, but Glenn reassured people about their jobs.
"I was surprised when Harry left because you thought everything was going OK, with relegation avoided and everyone looking forward to the new season.
"He went on the day I was due to meet him for a chat.
"I got on well with him and thought he was a good manager."
Although Adam has seen Michael Carrick and Joe Cole go on to a regular first team place and full England recognition, he insists he is not jealous and adds:
"I always encourage Michael and Joe - I want them to do well because I have grown up with them.
"I feel really pleased that they have done and wish them good luck.
"I'm not too sure about whether everyone expected me to follow them that but if people say it that's nice.
"If I get the opportunity I'm sure I wouldn't let the Glenn down, or the team."