There is no better way to win over your new club’s fans than scoring quickly – and Brad Potts has done just that.
There is no better way to win over your new club’s fans than scoring quickly – and Brad Potts has done just that.
After signing from League One side Barnsley in January, PNE fans may have been unsure what to expect from the former Blackpool winger.
But he has hit the ground running, going straight into the side and bagging a couple of goals to go with it.
“I was just happy to be on the team-sheet for my first match, Swansea at home, as I had just signed and I didn’t think I was going to start,” said the 24-year-old when speaking to The One And Only for this weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest.
“I prepared like I was going to but I didn’t think I was going to play. When the gaffer put the team on the board on the Saturday and I saw my name, I was absolutely delighted. It was good as I didn’t have too much time to think about.
“Then in the next game at QPR, I was over the moon to get a goal and then to follow it up with my second goal in the match after against Stoke, I was delighted.
“I wanted to come in and play, and the main thing is that the team wins, but to add the goals as well means I couldn’t have really asked for a better start.
“It helps you settle at a new club. You want to come in and try and fit in as soon as you can and, with scoring the goals, I am happy as you don’t want to wait too long for the first goal.”
Hexham-born Brad is taking a roundabout way to climbing back up the leagues after being at his home town club Newcastle United as a youngster before he was ‘gutted’ when he was released.
He then went to Carlisle where he made over 100 appearances, getting much-needed league experience at a young age.
Brad was then picked up by Blackpool in 2015 where he enjoyed a strong spell before Barnsley, then in the Championship, bought him in 2017.
“It was hard as when I was at Barnsley, we were in a relegation battle all season, you lose a lot of games and it’s tough. We knew it would be and it was frustrating as we just fell short.
“So, for me it’s nice being back in the Championship and obviously winning more games makes it a lot more enjoyable, I want to keep helping PNE up the league.”
There is loads more from Brad in Saturday’s edition of the matchday programme, plus interviews and features with many more, including, George Lyall, Eric Jones, Connor Ripley, Paul Gallagher and Ben Pearson.
The 100-page edition of the official matchday programme is still just £3 and is on sale from Friday afternoon from the club’s Sir Tom Finney Stand ticket office and from the sellers inside and outside the ground on matchday, so make sure you pick up your copy.