Swindon Town ace Ricky Aguiar says he’s hoping the faith Scott Lindsey is showing in him will provide the springboard for a regular birth in the head coaches plans for the new season.
The 21-year-old was named as captain in Town’s 3-2 victory over Melksham at the weekend, and the midfielder embraced the responsibility with a confident first half display, scoring his sides equaliser with an unstoppable long-range strike.
Aguiar, who appeared 15 times for the club last season in League Two, scoring twice, says he’s hoping to use the opportunities handed to him in pre-season to push for more regular game time when the new campaign gets underway.
Speaking after the Melksham win on Saturday, Aguiar admitted it was great to wear the armband despite a rather unfamiliar look to the Swindon starting eleven.
“It was good to be captain for the afternoon. It did take a bit of getting used to, but I really enjoyed it,” he said.
“To be captain of any side means a lot, and it’s great the gaffer chose me, so I’m hoping I set a good example and did a good job.
“It gave me a lot of confidence and I’m looking to use the experience to push on when the new season gets underway. I was able to play a fair few games last season and I want to continue that as I feel I have a lot to offer.”
Aguiar also admitted it was good to play a competitive warm-up match and get some valuable minutes under his belt.
“The game was mainly focused on improving our fitness as nothing really compares to playing games.
“Getting 45-minutes in nice and early during the pre-season schedule is always nice and of course it was a bonus to score. It was slightly strange playing in a side where not everyone knows each other, but everyone performed well and their attitudes were spot on.”
The midfielder also believes with the squad Lindsey is building and the continuity the new boss is bringing to the side, promotion could be a real possibility.
“It’s been great working with Scott as First-Team Head Coach. He’s a really honest guy and he is looking to carry on the philosophy of attacking football which I think suits us.
“The majority of the lads know Scott from last year and he’s a great character, and he’s all for giving young players a chance to prove themselves, which is a real positive.
“I think with a few more additions and some experience in the side, promotion has to be the target.”
