Despite suffering a serious leg injury and missing the two games which won us promotion, Captain Nick reviews his "best season at Anselmians" and is enthusiastic about pushing for promotion again even though he is unlikely to play an on-field role until the turn of the year.

Such was Nick's contribution to Saint's success last season that he has been "courted" by higher level clubs even though he is out of action until Christmas time. However, Nick's committment to a third term as Captain and his enthusiasm to lead a developing squad has kept him rooted at Anselmians.

Nick told Saint's Newsroom, "Last season was without a doubt my favourite as an Anselmian. From finishing the league one place above relegation to being promoted to NW1 within a season shows the ambition and drive that now runs throughout the club. In my mind there were several performances that epitomised the direction in which our club is heading. Southport away in game week one to play with 14 men for 60mins and come away with a win, beating eventual league champions Broughton Park to keep our play off places alive and finally the emphatic way we put Aspatria to the sword to guarantee our promotion."

"On a personal level I was obviously gutted not to be involved in the latter 2 after breaking my leg and displacing my ankle against Widnes. However, I’ve been operated on and my rehab is going well. It’s disappointing not to be out there with the boys during the start of a new era for us but I’m hopeful I’ll be back playing towards the second half of the season."

"Looking forward to this season I feel we’ve had a great start. We’ve retained the strength we has from last season and made some very good signings that will give us the quality and depth we need to challenge at the level above. Given the excitement around the club and the structures we now have in place I believe the ambition has to be to compete at the top of the table this year. I see no reasons why this won’t happen."

Nick will still be leading from the front even if he won't be on the field until later in the season. And, the whole of the backroom and the supporters are eargerly waiting to get him back in his straps as soon as possible!