Ritchie aims to be club’s number one
MACCLESFIELD Town goalkeeper Ritchie Branagan says he will be achieving a life’s dream if he can become the first-choice goalkeeper at the Moss Rose this season.
Branagan signed a new contract at Macclesfield last month which will see him remain at the club during the 2015/16 Vanarama National League campaign.
After Rhys Taylor left the Silkmen to join Newport earlier this summer, Branagan’s claim to be the number one strengthened, and he is excited by the opportunity.
“This is effectively everything I’ve been training for since I started playing football,” he said. “No doubt I’m ready. Fitnesswise I feel the best I have ever felt. People say that a lot but it isn’t a lie.
“I came back last year and probably felt the worst I had been, so I worked hard over the summer and now I feel brilliant.
“As the games come thick and fast I will come into my element more. At the moment we are playing cagey teams who are still getting their fitness, so once the season starts that’s where I will get my chance to shine.
“I know I’ve got big shoes to fill after Rhys left but that’s more exciting for me as it’s more a challenge.
“Everyone is looking forward to the first league game against Torquay, especially me as it’s my first season at this level.”
Macclesfield’s pre-season is well-underway, with a home game against Sheffield United tonight (Wednesday).
Branagan has played a key part in the friendly matches, and he is impressed with what he has seen from the team.
“We’ve made good progression throughout our matches and the players have been doing really well,” he said.
“I want more active games with teams that will come at us as then we will start to score more goals.”
‘I worked hard over the summer and now I feel brilliant’