Worksop Town defender Jake Picton says lockdown helped him out

Picton joined the club last summer and has shown his qualities at the back, with his experience and reading of the game being important assets to the Tigers

However, an injury picked up in October has seen the defender rush back to try and return to action quicker than expected. But the hiatus away from football has allowed him to fully recover and return to pre-season fully fit and ready to remain a key figure in Craig Parry’s side.

Picton believes that the new campaign is a second coming for him in Tigers’ colours.

“This almost feels like a first season for me; I am really excited, and it feels like a fresh start for me,” said the defender.

“I am really, really keen to getting going now, and hopefully we can get a full season in because it is what we need to show what we can do.

“I have just been ticking over whilst at home and I have actually had a bit of a rest; I have had a couple of problems with injuries last season. But I think I needed that rest to get better and I feel fantastic, so I am raring to go.

“I am feeling great; it was the rest that I needed. [The lockdown] hasn’t been a blessing for many people, but for me it has been, really; I feel refreshed and ready to kick on.

“I was frustrated [picking up an injury] and I had just got a bit of fitness back and started to play again in the friendlies before the season was curtailed.

"I am raring to go and it has made the fire even bigger, I suppose, which is nice.”

Picton also touched on the improvements at Sandy Lane, as well as the little changes which have made him want to be part of this exciting project with the Tigers.

“Everything you need is here: the pitch, the ground, the new changing rooms, everything,” Picton continued.

“It is a club on the up and you would be crazy to leave at this moment, with how everything is going.

“Obviously, the team is good, and we have made some new signings and they look strong; hopefully all the new signings will complement the team well.”