CHRIS SHARP feels like a new man after signing for Bangor City from arch-rivals Rhyl.
The 22-year-old forward is looking forward to pushing the big-spending Lilywhites all the way for the European places this season as Bangor go for glory.
Sharp signed for Bangor last week after three seasons at Belle Vue, one of which he spent on the sidelines with broken leg following a promising start to his career.
And after having metal plates removed from his leg this summer, he is eager for City’s campaign to start tomorrow when champions Llanelli visit Farrar Road.
“I’m raring to go – I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Sharp. “I’ve had all the metalwork taken out and the leg feels fine.
“Last season I played with the plate and the screws in and it was never an issue – I’d feel a bit of discomfort after games but it was nothing that really hindered me. I had an opportunity this summer to take it out so I had it done just to give me closure.
“The specialist said it didn’t need to be taken out, but I wanted to take it – I don’t know whether it was to do with it being out I feel a lot more confident with everything taken out.”
Sharp scored five league goals for Rhyl when he made his comeback from injury towards the end of last season, but found himself down the pecking order under Allan Bickerstaff and his new-look coaching team after John Hulse quit as manager this summer.
He said: “It was a case of having a chance to show what I was about, and it never happened but it was just one of those things. I’m very disappointed that I wasn’t really given a chance to show what I was about, but there’s no hard feelings.
“My time under John Hulse was a different class – the board, the directors and the fans were superb, and John and (club president) Peter Parry looked after me while I was injured. I’ve got no ill feelings towards the club and I’m just happy to have signed for Bangor.”
Sharp promises Citizens fans goals this season, although he knows he is not guaranteed a place in the team as manager Neville Powell looks to build a squad capable of restoring the club’s standing as one of the giants of Welsh football.
“Last year at Rhyl I scored a few goals and that’s what I’m about,” said Sharp, the son of former Everton striker Graeme. “I’ve scored in the two pre-season games I’ve played for Bangor, and the way Bangor play football they’re going to create a lot of chances. If I’m given the chance I’ll score goals – I just need to be given some sort of run in the team.
“The manager’s got options and there’s healthy competition. He’s not told me I’m going to be starting every week, but I don’t want to be told that – I’m happy to know that I’m going to be given an opportunity to show what I can do.”
So how does he rate Bangor’s chances this season?
He added: “I think realistically there’s the top two, Llanelli and The New Saints. Because they’re full-time I think they’re going to be there or thereabouts in the top two spots. But then you’ve got teams like Rhyl, Bangor and Carmarthen who are looking to push for that third spot and get into Europe.
“Rhyl have spent a lot of money in the close season, but nothing’s guaranteed in football and we’re looking to push them as much as we can.”
First up for Bangor is the visit of Llanelli for a repeat of last season’s Welsh Cup final, which City won 4-2 after extra time.
Sharp said: “It would be nice to get a good result because that would set us up for the rest of the season. Everyone’s raring to go for that, especially after the Welsh Cup final – Llanelli will be out for revenge, but we’ve beaten them before and we’ve got no fear.”
