Captain Mark Roberts excited to have fans back

Warrington Town skipper Mark Roberts says he’s excited to have fans back inside Cantilever Park as the Yellows face Tranmere Rovers in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 24.

Roberts re-signed with the club for the Pitching In Northern Premier League season earlier this month, and joins the likes of Josh Amis, Jordan Buckley and Bohan Dixon to commit their futures with the club.

The upcoming campaign will be his fourth season with the club, a decision that was easy to make according to the defender.

“It was never a question of wanting to play anywhere else to be honest,” said Roberts.

“I’ve loved my football since joining club and playing for Paul (Carden). I have so much time for him and Mark (Beesley).

“They have been fantastic for me both on and off the pitch and going through that transition from going from professional football, I’ve loved playing for my local team. When I heard they were staying, I was delighted to make my decision.”

The Yellows return home for the first time in 266 days this weekend, while already enjoying four pre-season fixtures against Maghull, Hesketh Bank, Wythenshawe Town and St Helens Town.

“It’s great when league opposition come and the lads get to compete and test themselves against higher level,” Roberts added.

“For Tranmere to travel to us and Accrington Stanley, it’s fantastic for club. Not being able to have much source of revenue over the last seven or eight months, hopefully fans come and watch us play and hopefully play some good stuff.

“Everyone is still finding their feet and we’ve been looking to get plenty of minutes in the games so far. It’s a big test for everyone and it’s the kind of games everyone looks forward to and hopefully we’re able to show what we’re about for the season ahead.

“I think what we’ve seen over the past 12 months in particular is that football isn’t the same without fans. We saw at the Euros what a difference it makes with the England players. The country as a whole, the football club is the heart of community whatever community that might be, whether it’s small or large.

“It’s just great to have them back inside stadiums and the great thing I’ve found in non-league is you always feel very connected to the people that come and watch, so I know they’ll be looking forward to it and I know as players and as a dressing room we’ll be glad to welcome them back.”

Tickets are available online ahead of the weekend’s clash with Tranmere Rovers.