New signing Martin Hutchcox said there were a number of factors that influenced his decision to sign for Hinckley AFC.
The experienced defender joined from league rivals Racing Club Warwick last week, having spent a couple of seasons at Townsend Meadow.
But after making his Hinckley debut on Saturday, the former Bedworth United man said he was ready for a new challenge – and AFC ticked all the boxes. He said: “I chose Hinckley for a few reasons.
“I’ve known the gaffer for a while having played alongside or against him. I knew all about Hinckley AFC and what a good club they are from playing against them, and it was always a tough game!
“JJ sold the club to me on how professionally it was run from top to bottom and what a good squad of players and management he had. From my short time here so far I couldn’t agree more.
“In the first few weeks of the season I’ve had a number of different offers from various clubs. The easy option would have been to stay at Warwick as it’s local for me, but I was ready for a new challenge and I’m glad to be on board.”
He describes himself as a more modern type defender, the type who likes to play out from the back, but isn’t afraid to just get rid if the situation dictates.
“As a big Spurs fan, I love watching Jan Vertonghen play. He’s so calm on the ball and makes everything look easy. I also like the John Stones’ and Rio Ferdinand’s of this world, and like all of them I’ll try and play out from the back when the time’s right.
“That said, my first thought is to not give the ball away, and if I can’t find feet then I’ll try to turn the opposition around. That’s served me fairly well over the years I think.”
Having won Division One with Coventry United three seasons ago, alongside Jean Dakouri, he knows what it takes to be successful at the level and wants to pass that on to the younger members of the squad.
“I’ve won a few leagues over the years, most recently with Coventry United alongside the Ox, so you pick up good habits like how to close games off and manage them correctly.
“Most clubs in these leagues, on their day, are good enough to beat anyone else, so it’s important to stay switched on from minute one all the way through to minute 95.
“There’s also plenty of experience in this dressing room from guys who have played higher than me, hopefully we can all complement each other and help the younger lads at the same time.”
The centre back said he thoroughly enjoyed his first outing on Saturday and is raring to go again, already feeling at home alongside his new teammates.
“I’d met most of the lads and coaching staff on the Tuesday before at training and they all made me feel welcome straight away. That was important to me. Nobody likes being the new guy but I felt a part of it from the off.
“In any game I always like to think if I get a few good touches of the ball early on, I can settle into it and play my normal game. I’ve played alongside Jay Lee for years and he’s a good mate, so that was no different to what I already know.
“But I thought the whole team from one to 11 were top drawer and we made it comfortable for ourselves with some nice bits of quality.”
He also extended thanks to the supporters for their welcome – and wants to repay them with performances on the pitch.
“I would just like to personally thank the supporters for the reception they gave me and the rest of the lads at the end of the game. It’s massively appreciated as we know without them, there is no club – so thank you!”
