Chester FC striker Ross Hannah accepts he goes into the new season with a ‘bee in his bonnet’ as the striker looks to make up for lost time.
Hannah made the move to Chester at the start of June after leaving Grimsby Town, where he started just seven league games last term.
Spending so much time on the substitutes bench was a frustrating experience for the 29-year-old, who met his new team-mates for the first time when pre-season started this week.
The signing of Hannah ended manager Steve Burr’s long search for a new centre-forward and although he is taking nothing for granted, the Sheffield-born frontman is exuberant at the prospect of regular starts.
“There are no guaranteed places in the team but I’ve had a chat with the gaffer and he has said certain things about what he wants from me,” said Hannah, who scored 28 league goals in 53 starts during his two-and-a-half years at Blundell Park.
“He’s told me he thought the team needed someone to put the chances away and I believe I can be that man.
“I suppose I have got a bit of a bee in my bonnet and something to prove because last season was frustrating so I want to get out there and hit the ground running.
“It’s gone really well so far to be fair. On the first day the lads were very welcoming and I think all of the new signings have settled in well.
“Football is a good way of getting in with the group because if you’ve played against lads over the years then there tends to be that respect between you.
“There are certain players who have played with lads I have been clubs at with and that helps too. You get talking about football and people you know and before you know it the banter starts and you’re in with the group.”
Having started his career in non-league circles, Hannah got a shot at the Football League with Bradford City in 2011 after three prolific years at Matlock Town, where he scored 111 goals.
He moved to Grimsby in January 2013 in search of more opportunities and the switch paid off as he finished that season as the club’s top scorer.
Hannah seemed poised to build on that in 2014-15 but injured his calf on the eve of last season, missing the first five games as he lost his place in the side.
With a fresh start at a new club and the responsibility of spearheading the attack, Hannah is feeling revitalised and ready to score goals.
He said: “I’ve been very impressed with the facilities. We’ve got everything you need for pre-season and it’s all of an excellent quality. The injury last year came at the end of pre-season and I’m not sure if it was just unfortunate or down to the workload.
“With the way the game has changed, as a footballer you have to look after your self and be as fit as you possibly can. I think most lads do a bit now before they come back in and I’ve done that so I feel in good shape and I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch.”
