New signing Joel Byrom is hoping to put a torrid campaign behind him and play a pivotal role in a promotion effort at Boro this season. The midfielder spent much of last season on the sidelines at Northwich Victoria thanks in large part to a hernia opera

New signing Joel Byrom is hoping to put a torrid campaign behind him and play a pivotal role in a promotion effort at Boro this season.

The midfielder spent much of last season on the sidelines at Northwich Victoria thanks in large part to a hernia operation but, after making a full recovery, the 22-year-old is ready to establish himself as a first team regular at The Lamex Stadium.

"I didn't play much last season as I had the hernia and it takes a bit of time to get over," Byrom told The Comet. "I had some injuries and the season never really got going for me. I'm feeling much better now and I can't wait to get going."

Boro start their pre-season match schedule on Wednesday when they travel to Chelmsford as the squad look to hone their match fitness in preparation for the big Blue Square Premier kick-off against Tamworth.

Byrom, who has been dubbed as "a real talent" by manager Graham Westley, says all the pre-season friendlies will be working up to August 8.

"We've got Tamworth on the opening day and hopefully we can get three points from that and have a really good start to the season.