Defender confirms he's been clock-watching ahead of new season and can't wait to get started!
Gary MacKenzie admitted that he is counting down the days until the start of the 2015/16 League 1 season.MacKenzie arrived in the summer and will look to add a certain steel to the Rovers defence.
“When you’ve been out and frustrated for so long then you just enjoy been back playing football,” said the former Blackpool defender.
“When it comes down to the league starting then you develop a little edge about yourself and get excited and I’m counting down the days to the new season.
“I already feel at home. The first few days, the club have made me feel welcome and its been really easy to settle despite not knowing any of the lads previously.”
The Scot underlined the importance of a full pre season – including a trip to Portugal – when it comes to the rigours of a 46+ game season.
“I think pre season is massive to everybody regardless of injuries. Everybody will tell you that its really important to get a good pre season in you because it gives you the building blocks for the rest of the season otherwise you’re always playing catch up,” said the Scot.
“You’ll find that if you don’t complete pre season then there’ll always be niggles throughout the season.
“I’m here to help out the boys and concede fewer goals than we did last season. I might try and grab a goal myself. But I’m here to communicate and help the other lads in the team. As a centre half, I’m here to not let the other team score, that’s my job, that’s what I’m paid to do.”
See MacKenzie and the rest of the squad in action when Rovers host Middlesbrough on Saturday (3pm). Tickets can be bought HERE or by calling 01302 762576.