Debutant’s positive take on club’s strengths after defeat
Lloyd James was finally able to make his City bow on Saturday after a prolonged wait before his signing from Forest Green Rovers could be completed.
The midfielder has been training with the club for six weeks but only signed on Friday after terms between Bath and the League Two outfit were agreed.
He replaced Frankie Artus at half-time but the new Roman couldn’t prevent the team succumbing to a disappointing 2-0 loss at Braintree Town.
“It’s a tough result to take. I don’t think we were very good today.” James admitted.
“It’s not a nice one to lose when you’re expected to win.
“It’s a disappointed bus today but that’s football. You have to try and move on.”
The outing was James’ first since appearing as a 75th minute substitute on New Year’s Day for Torquay against Yeovil Town in National League Premier.
Four outings for them between December and January have been his only action since last May, but the former Southampton man has worked hard to maintain fitness levels.
James said: “I didn’t really have a pre-season so it’s been up to myself to keep fit.
“Fitness wise I’m fine but I think it’ll take a couple of games to get my match sharpness.
“I was ready and waiting but travelling up I didn’t expect to come on as early as I did.”
The 32-year-old began training with City soon after his loan spell at Torquay ended.
“The manager was kind enough to let me come in and train and keep fit,” said James.
“I’ve seen what the boys and the team are all about. I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of and Jerry’s a fantastic part of that.
“There’s a good changing room in there and I’m sure we’ll put it right next week.
“We’ve shown before today that we can bounce back. We had a bad run recently but recovered with three brilliant results.
“We’re still in a good position in the table.”