Exeter City youngster Archie Collins is excited to get going with the Grecians this season as he looks to impress in pre-season.
The 18-year-old was a part of City’s squad in pre-season last year and made his debut for the Grecians in the Checkatrade Trophy against Chelsea under-23s in the last campaign.
Archie also spent time on loan with Dorchester Town to gain experience and says he is happy to get back to work at St James Park.
On his summer off and returning to training, Archie said: “It was quick, but I really enjoyed it, I was away a lot of the time. We were straight into it last week, it was tough, but that’s pre-season. Being abroad I kind of got used to the heat, it’s more challenging in the sun.”
Archie is expected to be a part of an under-23 side at Bideford on Tuesday night as City begin their pre-season campaign, and the youngster feels that getting back to match fitness is important ahead of the new season.
He continued: “You can do enough training but there’s nothing like playing games, especially with the under-23 side that we’ve got now, it’s grown and grown and there are some good players coming through.
“We’ve got a good bunch here, everyone is raring to go now. The games are coming thick and fast and then the season will start. The boys will be ready, and I can’t wait.”
The midfielder is also looking to impress first team manager Matt Taylor and wants to take the opportunity in pre-season to put himself in contention for first team minutes in the upcoming campaign.
“In training you have to impress, and the matches give us a bigger stage to impress,” said Archie.
“The more you impress then the more chances you’re going to get. You have to put the work in now and hopefully you get the chance.”