GOAL ace Andy Nicol is aiming to fire Alvechurch to the Midland League Premier Division title after signing for the Lye Meadow outfit.
The 28-year-old sharp-shooter, who used to ply his trade for the Churchmen, caught the eye of manager Ian Long in training and has now sealed a move.
Nicol had given up playing on Saturdays last season due to work and family commitments and has been a regular for Sunday side Austin-Ex Apprentices, for whom he has netted 122 goals over the last two seasons.
However, after sorting out his work commitments for this season, the prolific goalscorer told the Standard he is ready for the challenge which lies ahead.
“I was undecided with what I wanted to do with myself this season and I’d got invited down to Studley, but when Alvechurch asked me to go to their training sessions it was a no-brainer for me,” he said.
“There’s a great bunch of players at the club and I’ve known the chairman for a number of years now so I could not turn down the chance to join.
“The manager sets high standards and expectations and I hope to push myself at a good level of football and stay fit and sharp.
“I’m confident I can still do the business and, if I get the opportunity to start games and players create chances for me, I’ll be finding the back of the net.”
Despite Alvechurch narrowly missing out on promotion last season at the hands of phoenix club Hereford, Nicol is confident the Churchmen have what it takes to go one better this time around.
“If you look at last season, we finished 18 points clear of third placed Sporting Khalsa, so there’s no reason as to why we can’t win the league,” he said.
“Obviously there’s going to be teams trying to catch us and money is being thrown around but, if we win the league, it’ll be the greatest achievement in my career.
“I’d be proud to play a part in securing promotion next season and it’s very much my aim to fire the club towards that.
“I helped keep the club in the division four years ago after recovering from a broken leg and I’m excited to get down to business next season.”