We caught up with new signing Dean Parrett this morning at Bragbury End and he told us he was happy to have signed for Stevenage, calling it “an exciting time”.
The 21-year old, who describes himself as “a midfielder who likes to get forward, who likes a tackle and who likes to get on the ball and try and make things happen”, signalled his intent to work hard for the team after what has been a challenging few months for him as he looked to secure a permanent deal after leaving White Hart Lane in the summer.
He told us, “I’ve been on a few trials since the summer. They haven’t worked out for different reasons but I’m just happy to have signed here and I’m ready to start my season and work hard. I’m a little bit behind people, I’m going to have to work extra hard to catch up but I’m willing to do that. My short term aim is to get into the team, try and cement my place and work hard for the manager."
He continued, “It was an easy decision to make [to join the club]. I’ve been training here, there and everywhere recently. The gaffer asked me to come in for a meeting and asked me if I wanted to train. I trained with the lads and really enjoyed it. The next day he said he was interested in signing me so I snapped his hand off! I just want to be playing football again. It’s been the hardest four months of my life not being able to play.
“I hope I can add to the team, that’s why I signed here. I believe in myself, it’s just about impressing the manager and getting into the team.”
Whilst still in his first few days at the club Dean is hoping to settle in quickly and knows a number of the current squad from previous clubs. “I know Jimmy Smith from my time at Orient during a loan spell, Zoko from when I was on trial at Notts County in pre-season and Roarie Deacon I’ve played with for England, so I know a few of the lads," he said. "I’ve also played against Stevenage a few times for the reserves when I was at Spurs and have therefore also played there [The Lamex Stadium] before.”
Dean made his Spurs debut in the Europa League (pic courtesy of www.myfootballfacts.com)
During his time at Spurs the midfielder enjoyed loan spells at Aldershot, Plymouth, Charlton, Yeovil and Swindon, something he really believes he benefited from. He said, “The loan spells made me grow up as a man. It was a good experience to see what football is like in League 1 and to know what to expect. I think in the Premier League people think the game is all about passing and moving but you quickly learn you have to be able to fight in League One and fight for your points and fight for each other.”
The team set off for Walsall this afternoon and Dean saved his final few words to focus on this weekend’s Sky Bet League 1 fixture against the Saddlers: “I've played at Walsall before when I was on loan at Plymouth. It’s a hard place to go and play but I’m sure we can get a result.”