ECCLESHILL’S media team have been speaking to creative midfielder Alex Barnes, after he signed for the upcoming 2020/21 season.

He told Fletcher Smith: “I’m excited to be here. From the friendlies I’ve seen, we have a talented squad, which when it clicks will beat anybody.

“I’ve been playing in the Northern League for the last few years with Newton Aycliffe so I’m very excited about this new challenge in the NCEL (Northern Counties East League Premier Division) with this club.”

Barnes was involved in the Emley friendly (a 3-1 defeat) last Saturday.

He was asked what his thoughts were on the game and what he thinks the Eagles need to improve on for today's FA Vase clash at Holker Old Boys.

He said: “I think in the Emley friendly we were trying a few new things and it’s always a process, gelling with players.

“You could see in the second half, once we got into a rhythm and found something that clicked, it was much better.

“We need to take that into (this) Saturday and go up another few levels again, which is something we can definitely do.

“We will go there to put on a performance and show what we’re about, which we didn’t show last Saturday.”

Asked how he is fitting in, Barnes said: “The lads are great, as soon as you walk in the dressing room you are made to feel welcome and on the pitch, everyone is supportive of one another.

“A good dressing room atmosphere will definitely account for extra points come the back end of the season.”

Asked what fans can expect from him as an individual, Barnes said: “First and foremost, I am a team player and will do the hard work, I’m not shy of a tackle.

“I love to get on the ball on the half-turn in the gaps and play forwards early. I will try those risky passes and will make late runs into the box.

“Hopefully, I can chip in nicely with some goals this year and plenty of assists.”

BY FLETCHER SMITH