Chester FC forward Kane Richards is on a mission to make up for lost time and capitalise on a positive end to the season.
The 21-year-old admits he found his first 18 months with the club more difficult than expected, struggling for starting opportunities, form and goals.
Although some of that was outside of his control, Richards accepts responsibility too and but believes he is now more mature and stronger for the experience.
And his contribution over the final three games of the campaign, in which he scored in the wins against Welling United and Gateshead, lends weight to his claims.
Having appeared destined to exit the club this summer a couple of months ago, Richards was rewarded with a fresh contract in a show of faith from new manager Jon McCarthy and plans to seize this second chance.
Richards said: "I haven’t played as much as much football as I’d have liked here for whatever reason but I never lost belief in my ability and I kept training hard.
READ: Kane Richards the latest to sign on for next season
"I’ve never really done anything different in my approach but it’s good for people to feel like I’ve been doing well although I still feel like there’s a lot more to come from me.
"I played in the Evo-Stik League as an 18-year-old so I’ve been around for a while but it’s more intense at this level and I do feel like I’ve grown up a little bit. I think I’ve still got a bit more to do but I’m in a good place and I’m looking forward to kicking on next season and helping the club push on.
"It’s always good to get your future sorted out quickly and I spoke to Macca and Sharpy (assistant manager Ian Sharps) and there’s a really good feel about the club and what we can do next season."
Richards linked up well with James Alabi at the back end of the 2015-16 campaign and with both committing to the club for next term, the former Derby County youngster is keen to continue honing that partnership ahead of the 2016-17 season.
"James and I had been working with each other in training and I think our attributes complement each other well," said Richards, who moved to Chester in December 2014 from Ilkeston .
"Whether it’s me running in behind or the power and strength that James has, I think it works well and we showed that against Grimsby when we beat a team who ended up getting promotion.
READ: James Alabi and Kane Richards can forge lethal partnership, says Jon McCarthy
"Macca and Sharpy have changed a few things and made a few little tweaks and it’s really brought a lot more out of the team and I think next season is going to be a good one for us."
