KELVIN Maynard is looking forward to his first full season in English football after agreeing a one-year deal with the Brewers
He says: “I’m very excited. It was always a dream for me to play in England. We got promoted last year and we can now look forward to playing in League One.”
The 28-year-old had played under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at Royal Antwerp in Belgium and was one of the manager’s first recruits when he arrived at the Pirelli Stadium in November 2014.
Sadly, injuries restricted Maynard’s appearances as Albion closed in on the League Two title.
He says: “It was a great time but for me mixed emotions as I had a few injuries. But the games I managed to play I enjoyed very well and everything in the team was good. We became champions, we had a good season, we hardly lost a game, lots of victories. So since I arrived here it has been good – it’s not everybody who can be champions.”
Now back to fitness Maynard is getting a full pre-season under his belt.
He says: “I’m enjoying it but it’s hard. That’s good because fitness here last season was a key strength and we want to try and get back to that level. We won a lot of matches in the last minute and in the last part of games. That’s why we want to get back to that.”
Maynard also believes that Albion will do well in League 1.
He says: “I don’t know much about the other teams to be fair but I think we have to look at our own quality. We have lots of strengths and we have a few new players. We have to look after ourselves. I’m happy that we have a lot of players from last year, it’s a good sign and we have to work from that.
“I’m enjoying my time in England. It helps me that Nasser (El Khayati) is here, as he’s another guy from Holland. We have good laughs in the team. We help each other and the lads make you feel at home.”