New signing Clayton Lewis expressed his delights after joining the Iron on a three-year deal yesterday.
The New Zealand international is excited to get the chance to play in England and wants to keep progressing.
Speaking to iFollow Iron, the midfielder discussed his move to Glanford Park, his past playing experiences in New Zealand and what he can bring to Graham Alexander’s team.
ON SIGNING FOR THE IRON…
CL: I’m absolutely delighted. The proposed terms came through about two months ago. Visa problems were stopping it, but now it’s all sorted. I’m going to move forward and hopefully get on the pitch as soon as possible. It took 40 hours to fly here, but this is the place to be if you want to progress as a footballer. That’s what I’m here to do.
ON MOVING TO PLAY FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND…
CL: A little boy from New Zealand getting the chance to play over here is massive and I can’t wait to get started. Growing up, you always want to be a professional footballer, and now to get that chance is crucial. I’m going to keep pushing forward.
ON WHAT GRAHAM ALEXANDER SAID…
CL: He told me to keep staying fit and I’m going to get my chance now and then. I’m going to keep pushing and look forward to what I can bring to the team.
ON HIS PRE-SEASON…
CL: It has been pretty tough having to do it by yourself in New Zealand, but this is what I wanted my whole life. That sort of motivation, knowing that you could be a professional footballer soon, that I needed. I kept pushing and now I am here.
ON PLAYING IN NEW ZEALAND…
CL: It’s a lot different. With Auckland City, it was quite slow. We had the ball a lot, but coming here I know it’s fast paced and going to learn a lot more here. Obviously, it’s a tougher league and I can’t wait. The coaching staff at Auckland have been really good. Me progressing so far is credit to me wanting it as well and all the teammates pushed everyone to the limit. Being at a club like Auckland was massive.
ON PLAYING FOR THE NATIONAL SIDE…
CL: They’re playing Japan on Friday, which will be quite exciting. Then in November, there’s another international break against the fifth-best South American team, so I’m looking forward to getting a few chances out here to prove myself and getting back into the national team.
ON HIS TARGETS…
CL: I definitely want to play as many minutes as I can and score a few goals, which is quite a main thing for most players. I definitely want to progress. I like to say I’m quite technical. I like to pass the ball, keep the ball and, if I get a chance, I will have a go.