AFC Fylde new boy Steve Williams admits he holds no fear when it comes to team selection next season.

The towering centre-half teamed up with Dave Challinor’s troops from National League side Barrow over the summer to fill the void left by club captain Tom Hannigan.

Whilst the 29-year-old could face stiff competition from fellow defenders, he is confident of seeing his name on the team sheet.    

“There is a long way to go yet, another five weeks, and we haven’t even started playing the friendlies yet so we will have to wait and see. That said, I’ve come here to play and I’m not afraid of anyone being ahead of me.

“I just have to concentrate on myself. It’s not going to be easy because there are a lot of good players here but if I am the best that I can be then I don’t think I will have a problem getting into the team.”

The Coasters squad have endured their first week of pre-season training and whilst admitting it has been tough, Williams believes his summer preparations have set him up.

“It’s certainly been testing so far. The first week involved a lot of running without much ball work, but that’s obviously to get a base fitness in there.

“I didn’t go away in the summer and I managed to get a couple of weeks done myself so I had a bit of a head-start come pre-season.

“It has been tough and at a high level but I feel good personally. I’m confident with my fitness at the moment and I’m glad I did that bit extra.

“Hopefully it will help me avoid any little niggling injuries that are easy to pick up in pre-season. I’m feeling strong and ready for the season.

“The lads are all sound and there are a few familiar faces around so that has helped me to settle in. There is a good vibe around the place and a good buzz. Everyone is very calm and relaxed and I think that will help us become successful.

Fylde kick off their first warm-up schedule on Friday evening against Scottish side Stranraer and Williams can’t wait to get started.

“I haven’t kicked a ball over the summer so it will be great to be back on the pitch and getting the legs back working. I’m sure we will all be slightly rusty for the first couple of games but that’s standard whoever you are.

“On the whole I’m really looking forward to it and I know the rest of the lads are too.

“I’d imagine there will be a lot more ball work leading up to Friday’s game, maybe a few 5-a-side matches, but that’s down to the gaffer so we’ll wait and see what he has in store for us.”