Fairless eager to take chance

Spartans' new signing Chris Fairless has revealed he is keen to learn from the coaching staff at Croft Park and underlined his determination to make the most of the opportunity handed to him by Spartans' manager Tommy Cassidy. Speaking after last night's 1-1 draw with Dunston UTS, Fairless said "I just had a chat with Tommy after the game and there's a few things I need to work on. I know myself that for my size I'm not winning enough in the air and need to get stronger but the thing is I want to be here and I want to do it here."

The former Stocksfield striker will also look towards his fellow players to help him learn and continue his development. "The strikers we have got here, people like Farrell and Robbie can only help me. I just need to get my head down and work, it's frustrating that I'm not where I want to be just yet but I know inside that I can do it." Fairless is already off the mark in a Spartans shirt following his goal in the 3-1 win at Sunderland RCA last week and drew confidence from that finish.

After finishing top scorer at Stocksfield last season, Fairless hopes to have a similar impact at Croft Park but knows it make to time to settle in. "I went to Stocksfield after dropping down from the Evo-Stik League down South and I fitted in well, they played with a different style and I'm still getting used to things here. The thing is it's a massive opportunity for me and I know that, this is a great club and everyone I speak to only says good things about them. I'll be putting the work in over the coming weeks and I'm determined to show what I can do".

During the summer Tommy Cassidy added Paddy Atkinson to his coaching staff and Fairless was quick to point out the importance the duo can have in not only his development but the progress of the young Spartans side that has been put together during the pre-season break. "They both have the experience, Paddy has all the coaching badges and Tommy obviously spent ten years at Newcastle United and you don't do that without knowing the game. Paddy's training sessions are always very technical and he looks to work with you as an individual and with the team as a whole. They compliment each other really well and they are helping us come together". Fairless will be looking to add another goal to his opening strike at Sunderland RCA when Team Northumbria visit Croft Park this coming Saturday for Spartans last pre-season friendly this coming Saturday.