Goalkeeper enjoying working with new colleagues

ALAN Julian says it is easy to understand why Boro had such an outstanding defensive record last season having spent the summer working with the team on the training ground.

The goalkeeper returned to the Lamex Stadium in June following his release by Gillingham and having spent the summer working with his new team mates the former Northern Ireland U21 international believes it’s clear to see that last year’s record was the result of plenty of hard work on the training ground.

“The boys in front of me were great and I love a clean sheet,” Julian told The Comet following Sunday’s 1-0 win over Fulham.

“Obviously from playing against them (the Boro defence) last year I knew how tight they were at the back and how defensively strong they are and from working with them in pre-season on the pitch you can see why they had the best defensive record last year. They’re so organised and they know what they’re doing so it’s good to play behind them.”

The 28-year-old is delighted to have secured a return to the club and has revealed he has had plenty of help settling in from a few old faces.

“I had a great time here before, they are wonderful supporters and it’s a lovely club,” explained the stopper.

“It’s where it should be now in the higher leagues of English football and we’re just going to keep working hard and try to improve.

“Ronnie’s (Henry) been giving me stick since I walked back through the door but I love Ronnie to bits. I’ve travelled with him before and it’s nice to come and see a friendly face as well as Scotty Laird.

“Ben May I’ve played with him at Brentford and there’s people like the gaffer (Graham Westley) and Dino (Maamria) and Lawrie Wilson so there’s a few friendly faces here which is nice and has probably helped me settle in a bit quicker than if I didn’t know any one.”

Julian faces an intriguing battle with established number one Chris Day for the goalkeeper’s jersey this season but it’s a challenge the summer recruit is happy to have.

“That’s football, the higher up the divisions you go the better goalkeepers you are going to come across,” he said.

“He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and I hope to push him and play, everyone wants to play.

“I love the club and as long as I’m working hard, and getting fitter and improving my game I hope to get in the team. If I don’t and we’re winning and Daisy’s playing well I’m willing to bide my time and we’ll go from there.”