BRODIE’S ALL SET TO STEP UP AT FC UNITED

BRODIE LITCHFIELD can’t wait to play in front of FC United of Manchester’s big home support and show that he can make the step up to National League North.

The 20-year-old was one of player-manager Tom Greaves’ first three summer signings along with Clitheroe’s Kurt Willoughby and ex-Salford City captain Chris Lynch.

Litchfield began his career at Sheffield United before moving to Stocksbridge Park Steels where he hit 23 goals last season. Now the youngster is raring to go at a club with average gates of more than 2,000 last term.

“It will be great to play in front of that many fans,” Litchfield said. “They’re a fan-owned club and I’ve spoken to lads who have only played against them. They say it’s a nightmare! They say the fans are another level so it will be good to have them behind us. Before I signed I went to have a look around and speak to the manager Tom. The stadium, the facilities, how professional it is – it’s a nice play to be going to play football.

“The manager explained where they want to get to in the future. Obviously they want to build on where they finished last year and keep progressing. It’s a young set of lads who they want to play football. That’s what he emphasised to me and to express myself, which was a massive factor.

“So was the fact the manager is a striker. He can help me with my own game and show me what I can improve on. It will be good to watch him play as well.”

Having grown up as a striker, Litchfield played a lot of last season in a wide position and he thinks it has helped his game to become much more rounded as he also chipped in with 29 assists in all competitions.

“It’s added to my game a lot,” Litchfield said. “Before I always had my back to goal whereas playing out wide you’re running towards the goal with the ball.

“National League North will be a step up but I can’t wait to get started to see what the competition is like and challenge myself.”

And he’s already been eyeing up the opposition.

“There’s a lot of Manchester teams so there will be quite a few local derbies, which will be great to play in,” he added.