Following a season in which he made 27 appearances for the Iron, young right-back Jai Rowe is determined for an even better 2021-22 campaign.
An option was taken to extend the stay of the former Barwell defender, following what can be regarded as the 19-year-old's breakthrough year at the Iron, after he originally signed as an Under-23s player two years ago.
Rowe made his senior debut away at Swindon Town in March 2020, just before last season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and is looking to continue going from strength-to-strength.
The Nuneaton-born player told iFollow Iron: "This season the gaffer's given me my opportunity and I feel like I've taken it quite well. I've played over 25 games, which I wouldn't have expected at the start. I'm really happy to have had my stay here extended.
"I just want to go into next season fresh, coming back stronger and fitter than I have been this season, and try to push on even further. Hopefully I can get even more games next season as well.
"It's been a strange season, with lots of ups and downs, but that happens with football a lot. I'm sure next season there will be plenty more ups. I'm already raring to go and can't wait."
Seeing the recent Premier League games and play-off matches with fans present, following a whole season where we were unable to admit them to the Sands Venue Stadium, Rowe can't wait for the prospect of the supporters getting behind the team once again next season.
He said: "I've only played in front of fans once this season, Southend away with 2,000, and also my debut away at Swindon last season. I just want to get out there in front of the home fans now. It will be a really good feeling which I'm excited for."
Talking about his personal development, he continued: "This past year I feel I've progressed so much. Coming from non-league to a full-time professional outfit, I believe I gradually improved last season but this year playing as many games as I have, I feel I've grown massively strength-wise and in terms of my overall game. I feel I have a lot more to bring next season too."
He paid tribute to the advice given by departing skipper Jordan Clarke, adding: "Jordan was a good influence with me on and off the field, coming from the same area back home. I learnt a lot from him and it's been healthy competition."
He concluded: "I hope next season I can earn my place as the main right-back. I can play central defence as well, so I need to be as fit as I can be, as strong as possible, and mentally ready for the challenge."
See much more from Jai Rowe on iFollow Iron.