Will Nightingale is raring to go for 2021/22 – and he believes that Robbo is making changes that will bring success in the long-term future.
After returning to full training, the 25-year-old spoke enthusiastically about the impact made by Robbo, who he worked with for many years at academy level.
“Robbo is brilliant, he has been great for so many people,” said Will, ahead of Saturday's home friendly versus Scunthorpe. “As an example, you only have to look at Ayoub Assal, and he has flourished. I think you can say that about a lot of the boys from last season. Robbo wants to create a culture, and to make a difference to this football club. He doesn’t just want a one season success, or success for a few games, he wants to make an impact and change everything about the club in a positive way.
“Robbo wants us to be the fittest team out there, so he is working us hard, and that’s how it should be. We are here to work, not just to have a jolly up. We are here to be as strong as we can, and we want to make a statement on the pitch. Being fit is going to help us.
“We have a fairly young squad, I think we can all relate to each other, and we are all hungry to kick on in our careers. We want to take this club forward.
“I am a massive believer in just being the best that you can be each day. No matter who you are, everyone can get better. Whatever level you are at, you can improve. I want to win every game of football. I am not going to say I want play-offs, or top-12. I just want to keep winning games of football and to be as successful as I can be.”
Having been brought up locally and joined our academy as a young boy, running out at Plough Lane in front of our supporters, is a very exciting prospect for Will.
“I can’t wait to play in front of them," he added. "Our fans are brilliant – I’ve said it so many times over the years. If you look at where we’ve come from as a club to where we are now, that’s down to the fans. They are the ones that deserve this, and I’m hoping to repay that with performances and wins. Everything we do as a club has to be for the fans, and Robbo wants to create that link with the players. I am all for that as well.
“I love this club, I’ve been here since I was eight years of age. I’ve done every job you can think of. There have been times when I know I’ve let myself down, but there have also been times when I can stand up and say that I’ve been proud with what I’ve done. I want to keep getting better, doing everything that I can for the club, and I want to try and bring success for the club.”