Striker gives first interview as a City player
Exeter City’s new signing Sam Parkin revealed his delight at returning south of the border to join the Grecians.
The striker joins City after having spent three years in Scotland, where most recently he helped Scottish Premier League outfit St Mirren to the League Cup title – the Saints’ first major silverware since 1987.
And having made the 450-mile journey down to St James Park, the former Chelsea-trainee expressed his joy at linking up with the Grecians.
He said: “Exeter were looking to bring in a front player, and fortunately after having a meeting with the manager and a really good chat, I’ve been down to have a look at the place and I’m really delighted to have signed.
“I know that Exeter have got a tradition of playing good football and the manager has obviously got a great reputation, so it was a no-brainer really – I didn’t have to think about it too hard. I’m just delighted to get another opportunity down here to play football and hopefully be part of a successful team.”
Parkin feels that he has plenty of strings to his bow in terms of qualities that he can bring to the front-line – and he hopes his presence both in the team and the dressing room will be positively received.
“I’d like to think I’ve got a bit of everything,” he continued. “I can be aggressive and be a target for the team and link the play, but I’ve always prided myself on being a good footballer first and foremost. I’ve got good feet and good ability with the ball on the deck as well.
“I’ll be looking to knit the play, hopefully get a few goals and be a good influence around the place for the younger players, and be a bit of experience in the front line.
“There seems to be a good blend of experienced players like Matt Oakley and Tommy Doherty, and the younger boys that are coming through. It looks like there’s a really good balance to the group and I’ll be adding my experience and be a good influence around the dressing room by leading by example.”
The first opportunity to see Sam in an Exeter shirt comes against Queens Park Rangers on Thursday 11th July (kick-off 7.30pm). If he features against the Hoops, it won’t be the first time he’s had the opportunity to line up and impress against the club he supported as a lad.
“In years gone by, I always used to do a bit well against QPR! Obviously though they’re at a very good place at the moment in terms of their playing squad. It’s always enjoyable when you play against your boyhood heroes.”
Click here to watch Sam’s first interview as a City man exclusively Grecian Player, where he talks about how the move to City came about, his time playing in Scotland, his time training with the City squad and his thoughts on the season ahead.