Defender Ben Purkiss was feeling in a positive mood following his first training session as a Town player last week.
The former Port Vale captain linked up with his new team-mates for the first time last Thursday after signing for the club on a free transfer, and he was delighted with how his first morning unfolded.
“It was good. It is always a little bit uncertain on your first day in, you never quite know what is going to happen but I’ve been pretty fortunate,” he told swindontownfc.co.uk.
“I know the lads had a couple of really tough days, which I wasn’t able to participate in unfortunately and my first day was a little lighter.
“It was a good opportunity though for myself to meet everyone and the odd familiar face in Chris Robertson and see a few players again who I’ve played against.
“It was a good day.
“It helps having met with the gaffer and Futch (Ben Futcher) previously, so I’ve already got a little bit of a rapport and an understanding there.
“And it is easy to settle in well when you know one or two of the lads and having played against a few as well.
“I remember Luke Norris from Gillingham and James Brophy from last season, so it was good to get to know everyone.
“There are a few new faces and everyone who was here last season have been very welcoming, and there are some lively characters here.”
Purkiss also enjoyed the experience of working under Dave Flitcroft and Ben Futcher for the very first time.
“The gaffer joined in training and he was competitive, which is what you want,” he added.
“He seemed to want to win everything and he managed to find himself on the winning team in head tennis!
“They have both been good and welcoming and they are trying to drive standards, they are trying to make training competitive, they are trying to place importance on professionalism and they want you to take pride in your work and everything you do.
“That has transmitted over nicely to the lads and hopefully that will show in the next few weeks and we’ll be ready for that first game.”
