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No hesitation from Matty

Simon Smedley
25/ 6/2008

ONCE County striker Matty McNeil was offered a new contract last month, there was going to be little hesitation from the big man in agreeing to sign it.

McNeil, who joined County from Macclesfield Town last summer, has made a huge impact at Edgeley Park, despite last season being curtailed halfway through by hernia and knee problems.

He is fit again now though, and made a fleeting substitute appearance in the League Two play-off final win at Wembley four weeks ago, and he’s totally looking forward to next term in League One.

Thirty-one-year-old McNeil told the Express: "I’m delighted to be staying at County. Playing in a higher league next season is a big incentive for everyone.

"I’m really enjoying it at County. My injuries got me down a bit last season, but I wasn’t going to sulk. I was determined to remain positive, and that’s still the case. I always fancied I could do well here, so I got my head down at the beginning of last season and I got myself off to a confident start.  Jim Gannon was very ambitious for the club, and I quickly felt comfortable around the place. Jim is a great manager and brought the best out of me. I was playing well, but sadly I didn’t expect to be out injured for as long as I was in the end."

McNeil missed all County’s games last season from late November onwards, until that brief appearance against Rochdale at Wembley. He is raring to go again now though, and is looking forward to making an impact again come August.

"It was great to get on at Wembley," added McNeil. "Before the game I felt fit but said to the gaffer that I’d leave it until next season now. I would have been happy with that, but I got to train straight after the play-off semi-final second leg against Wycombe and everyone was buzzing. I got on with it although I was a little sore, but when I was given a place in the 16 I really got myself switched on. In the end it was just amazing, even before the game warming up on that brilliant pitch. The adrenaline was definitely flowing.

"I think we can do well in League One next season. We’ll prepare well, and if we can get off to a good, confident start, then who knows where we’ll end up?"