Defender Gareth Roberts is rekindling his love for football with Notts County, after a tough period in his career.
Roberts had grown frustrated with the game during his seven-month spell with Sky Bet League 2 outfit Bury due to a situation out of his control, which eventually led to his Gigg Lane departure.
Since joining the Magpies, the left-back has been playing regular first team football and is excited about the challenge of keeping the club in Sky Bet League 1.
He said: “I always had the confidence of playing at League 1 and I was glad that the gaffer came in and given me the opportunity.
“I got my contract paid up at Bury and I was training on my own, then I got the phone call and was delighted to come in.
“There was 16 or 17 games left when I came in and I thought I’d love that challenge.
“I wanted to play again and enjoy it - that was the main thing because I’d lost a lot of love for it.
“The situation at Bury was difficult as they weren’t going to play me because of my wages.
“I was spending lots of time at home and getting too many days off, so in the end I was glad to get out.
“To get this opportunity here is fantastic and I’m enjoying my time here.”
Roberts has been impressed by the quality in the County ranks and has been surprised that the club is battling it out at the wrong end of Sky Bet League 1.
The 36-year-old, who has made over 500 Football League appearances for the likes of Derby County, Doncaster Rovers and Tranmere Rovers, hopes that his experience can play a role in steering Notts to safety.
“We’ve got some fantastic players here and we shouldn’t be in the position where we are but we’re here for a reason,” he continued.
“The gaffer wants me to use my experience and enjoy it and if the lads need any help in any way, pass on the help in any way I can.
“I’ve been there in a few relegation battles and you’ve got to dig in at the hard times.
“It’s difficult but I think if we can keep clean sheets we know we’ve got the quality to score goals.”
Notts are back in action on Saturday against Shrewsbury Town at Meadow Lane.
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