City's latest signing Reece Cole has found his love for the beautiful game again, and thanks a spell in non-league for it.
The Brentford academy product spent last season at Chertsey Town, followed by Hayes & Yeading, and credits the two clubs for helping him get his career back on track, with the 25-year-old excited and ready to go for the Grecians.
"I fell out of love for football towards the back end of when I was at Dunfermline and took a bit of time away, just playing part-time football," he said.
"That generated the love back again, just Tuesday and Thursday nights training, and I was buzzing going to training, albeit the level wasn't where I felt I should be playing at, or wanted to be playing at.
"I took some time this summer to have a real good go at it and be really fit, and thankfully that's paid off. The hunger I have for it now it more than ever."
Cole's signature was secured after an intense two and a half weeks on trial at the Cliff Hill Training Ground, where he was tested to the limits by Gary Caldwell and his coaching staff, but he is delighted to have put pen to paper.
"I'm buzzing to be here. It was a great feeling after the gaffer told me on Friday night. This is only the start and it's time to kick on now.
"You have to back your ability as a trialist to go on and get a contract, and thankfully I have done that. It's been one of the toughest pre-seasons I've done, but it'll only be beneficial when August 5 comes round."
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