Warrington Town striker Mikey Howard admits he has a point to prove at the club after rekindling his love for football in the lower leagues.
Howard initially arrived on dual-registration from Skelmersdale United last March but failed to make an appearance for the Yellows.
Instead, while training with the club, he helped the Blueboys secure promotion to the Pitching In NPL West Division, scoring four times in their 5-1 play-off final triumph at Cinderford Town.
SPONSORSHIP: Opportunities ahead of 2022/23 season
Howard has also featured in both of the Yellows’ pre-season friendlies so far, including last Saturday’s entertaining 1-0 defeat to League Two side Tranmere Rovers at Cantilever Park.
With the season fast approaching, the former Morecambe striker admits he is ready to kick on and continue his fine goalscoring form after moving back up the divisions.
Let's talk about this last-ditch clearance from @dugganm1 on Saturday 🤯🙌 pic.twitter.com/YkPq9JRyPs
— Warrington Town FC (@theyellows) July 11, 2022
Discussing his move to the club, Howard said: “I scored on my Morecambe debut in League Two and I felt comfortable when I was there, but a new manager came in with a change of plans so I had to drop down the leagues and enjoy my football again.
“I’ve got a point to prove. I want to climb the ladder again, to get as high as I can – that’s the aim.
“As a young player it does affect you [dropping down the leagues]. A lot of players fall out of love with the game, but you have to bite your lip in a way, and prove your point by going out there and giving your best, scoring goals and getting the [transfers] that you want.”
READ MORE: Q&A with Yellows boss Mark Beesley
The Yellows have a number of attacking options to choose from ahead of the new season, with Josh Amis and Jordan Buckley, last season’s top scorer, both committing their futures to the club.
Meanwhile, former Southport forward Isaac Buckley-Ricketts has joined the club on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell last summer. He, too, was deployed in a central area by boss Mark Beesley last weekend.
Howard insists healthy competition in the final third can only benefit the squad moving into the 2022/23 season.
Ready for action, @MikeyHoward11 🔋😎
🎟️ https://t.co/SJ1KtzvIv9 pic.twitter.com/nPpLHWS3zk
— Warrington Town FC (@theyellows) June 2, 2022
“The more players that can score goals the better,” he said. “If you can get two or three of them on the pitch at the same time then the goals are there to be scored, and we know we’ve got goalscorers in the team.”
He added: “I always have an aim to score as many goals as I can before Christmas, so if I can reach my goals it’s a big bonus for me. Then towards the end of the season I’ll set another target, so we’ll see how it goes.”
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Photo Credit: Les Gallop