Foursome aiming to put 'Stute back on the map again

The foursome who signed for the Waterside out-fit in the last few weeks believe, like manager John Gregg, they have a chance of clinching the Ladbrokes.com Championship title, but they are under no illusions as to how tough life is going to be this season.

Both Harkin and Nicell have joined 'Stute on loan for a season from Derry City and they hope the chance of first team football can help further their careers.

"It's a good opportunity for me to move on, get first team football and try to make a name for myself and more importantly try to get 'Stute back up next year," explained Nicell.

"It's obviously a dream for myself to play at the Brandywell but to be honest coming to Drumahoe is the next best thing, because you are playing for a team from Derry, you don't want to be playing for a team from say Belfast, because it's your home town team, so I'll be trying my best to get 'Stute back on the map again.

"I'm not even thinking about Derry, I'm only focusing on trying to do well at 'Stute and see what happens after that."

As for Harkin he has been enjoying life at the Riverside Stadium since joining earlier this month.

"Pre-season has been grand; to be honest me and Mark have been flying because we have already had pre-season and were playing with Derry, but all the boys at 'Stute have been right behind us and helping us out.

"I know most of the boys and it has been good getting to know the rest of the boys, they have all been dead-on. As Mark has already said I too want to gain more first team experience and hopefully help 'Stute gain promotion."

Waterside man Taylor, who was gutted to be released by Linfield, can't wait for the season to get underway.

"I was disappointed whenever Linfield let me go, but I now just have to get back to playing football," he said.

"Coming to 'Stute is a good opportunity for me to get back, they are only one league behind Linfield, so if we work hard this year then hopefully we can get back in there.

"There is a good bunch of lads at Drumahoe and hopefully we can gel together throughout the season, so that we can do well for each other. We know the budget isn't great but that doesn't concern us - all we have to do is work together and try to do well."

As for Godfrey, he has produced the goods at junior level over the years and he wants to see himself if he can cut it amongst the senior ranks.

"I can't wait to get started to be honest; I unfortunately haven't done much pre-season because of a hamstring injury, but hopefully I'll be back soon and get myself fit," conceded the ex-Lincoln Courts winger.

"It's a good chance for me to play at a decent standard of football. I know it's going to be a good step up for me but hopefully if I get myself fit enough I think I'll be able to do alright, but I have to try and get into the first team to start with.

"There is a couple of other players who play in my position, so it's going to be tough, but if I get a chance I just have to do well and hopefully prove myself.

"I know myself I have a chance to play a good standard and although we have a lot of young boys, we are hungry for success, so hopefully we can do well in the league; if we don't win it, we'll be looking to be up there," concluded Godfrey.