ALEX Byrne rates this Warrington Town squad as the best he has been involved with, writes Matt Turner.

The winger is one of six new additions at Cantilever Park and was the first fresh face to commit to the club for this season, signing from Gainsborough Trinity in May.

Having had a full pre-season with his new teammates, the 25-year-old likes what he sees ahead of Saturday’s opening league match.

“I know the team got to the ‘super play-off’ last year, but I didn’t realise how many good players there actually were here,” he said.

“We’ve got three or four in every position, so it’s probably the best squad I’ve been in.

“You can’t have a bad training session or a bad game.

“If that happens to me, there’s people like Jack Mackreth, Jack Dunn, Dylan Vassallo or even Chaddy (Matthew Chadwick) who can step in.

“If you’ve got the shirt, you’ve got to work hard to keep it.

“I’m just buzzing for the new season and we can’t wait to get going now.”

Byrne has been impressive during pre-season, scoring six goals as well as racking up several assists in Yellows’ eight friendly matches.

Warrington Guardian:

Alex Byrne celebrates scoring against Prescot Cables. Picture by John Hopkins

He says the afore-mentioned competition for places within the Town squad has forced his hand in terms of getting himself in shape.

“I feel the sharpest I’ve felt in 12 months,” he said.

“Before I went into Gainsborough, I was fit, training every day and eating well.

“Things then went against me that were outside my control and I lost a bit of motivation.

“I lacked a bit of sharpness but in speaking to the manager here, I knew I had to be 100 per cent to get a game because of the strength in depth.

“I’ve got myself really fit and I’m feeling really good.”

Town open their BetVictor Premier Division campaign against newly-promoted Morpeth Town at Cantilever Park on Saturday – a game in which Byrne will hope to be involved in some way.

Despite this being their first campaign at this level, Morpeth are well-fancied for promotion and Byrne believes opening-day tests do not get much tougher.

“The betting has these right up there among the favourites,” he said.

“As far as opening days go, there’s probably only two or three games that could have been tougher for us.

“You have to play everybody at some point, though, whether it’s first or last doesn’t matter.

“We’re just happy it’s at home. Starting the season with three points at home is just what we want.”

Warrington Guardian:

Byrne in action against Runcorn Linnets. Picture by John Hopkins