The latest Grecians recruit Lewis Page has expressed his delighted after he put pen to paper at St James Park.
Left back Page joins the club after a successful trial and has experience in the Championship, League One and League Two as well as in the Europa League with West Ham United, where he started his career.
Having turned down an offer from another South West club to join the Grecians, Page says he can’t wait to get started in his new role.
“I’m very happy to get the deal over the line as I’ve really enjoyed it here over the last few days.
“I’ve spoken to the manager quite a bit over the summer about how he wants to play and this is the contract offer that I preferred as there was a really good atmosphere around the club.”
City fans can expect good things from a player who is not afraid to push up the box and contribute to the attacking side of things, as well as keep things tight at the back.
“I give 100% all the time and although I’m a defender I try to get forward as much as I can to deliver balls into the box.
“I’ve played left wing back before and I know I am capable of getting forward and getting higher up the pitch. I like to progress up the pitch but really enjoy having a winger in front of me.”
Page found himself in a situation many trialists face in pre-season – competing with another player for the same position, but this did not faze the 24-year old, who performed well enough to earn himself a deal at St James Park.
“Football is tough at the moment. You’ve got loads of players battling to find a new club so you’re going to get that situation. You’re always fighting for a place with someone and I’m really pleased to have been given a deal.”
Despite his age, Page has a wealth of experience which began when he was handed his professional debut for West Ham in a Europa League game against Lusitanos of Andorra in 2015.
“It was incredible. My debut was at Upton Park and that was an incredible ground. It was a full house and it was absolutely incredible.
“I got to train full time for a year and came off the bench a few times, so hopefully that experience can help me here.”
As for his goals for the season, it’s a simple one for Page.
“I want to just try and stay fit and try and play as many games as possible while of course helping the team out. Promotion has to be the aim for us. We’ve come close in previous years and we have to get over the line.”