ROBBIE Williams has said the battle is on between him and fellow centre half Michael Welch to grab some goals next season.
Although it isn't their job, both of them have earmarked getting their names on the League Two goalscoring chart to boost their season.
"I fancy myself to get a few goals although Welchy has an unfair advantage as he has got a bigger head than me!" said Williams who is the longest serving Stanley player, having signed in July 1999.
"I haven't got the best goalscoring ratio over the last few seasons - and no one is allowed to mention the own goal against Stevenage - so I would like to get one. Or even half of one!"
Welch has his sights set slightly higher and reckons he could be the one to watch from set-pieces next season.
"I am going to have a bit of a bet with the gaffer that I can get six goals this season," he said. "My highest is five for Macclesfield - a couple of headers and a few free kicks. I am not allowed to take free kicks here so I will have to rely on my head!"
And they are both hoping their new boots can do the business for them.
"Welchy has organised that the whole team order some new boots," said Williams. "I have just gone for normal black and red ones for the home games but decided for blue and white for the away kit - you have got to try and be colour co-ordinated!"
While Welch only dropped out of the league for one season to play in the Conference-winning side for Accrington Stanley, Williams has known Non-League for most of his career.
He has been with the club since their UniBond days and has seen a number of defenders off in his years at the Fraser Eagle Stadium.
"It is still all a bit surreal at the moment," said Williams. "I am really looking forward to it and I think we will do well with one or two signings - or even with the squad we have got.
"I am not going to make any big claims that we will make the play-offs, it could happen, but it is our first season and I think most people would be happy with a mid-table finish.
"I really enjoyed the last three seasons in the Conference - I used to enjoy going to some places and hate others but it was all part of the experience. It was such a hard league to get out of and so it was a great achievement for us to get out of there."
Williams is currently getting his Conference winning medal and shirt framed - to go alongside his UniBond First and Premier Division winning medals.
"I want to keep it safe although knowing me it will end up in the loft - but it is nice to have it."
And does he fancy a League Two one to go with them?
"That would be nice but no one is getting too carried away. I just want to have a regular place in the team and try and do well. It is a step up and it is a big test.
"There is the competition for places at the back with Julien (N'Da) - who is a mad man so he definitely fits in with the rest of the lads! - Phil Edwards can play there, myself, Welchy and Tretts (Andy Tretton).
"But there always has been and I just hope I can do well. I have tended to have good pre-seasons and put myself in good positions and even when I have had injuries I have tended to come back and do okay and keep my place.
"I am just hoping I can get a regular place in the side this season."
There has been faces coming and going but he says he is always happy to see Paul Mullin, who is the next long-serving player to Rocky.
"I take it for granted he will be there - he is like a girlfriend, you get used to seeing them all the time!
"It is always reassuring when I see Mullers and Cav (Peter Cavanagh) but all the lads are great and I love going to work.
"I don't think Mullers will have any problems scoring in this league. As long as we get crosses into the box for him, he will score.
"He will not score a spectacular 25-yarder - and he won't mind me saying it! - but he is great in the box, at holding the ball up and getting others into play.
"He has taken some real batterings for the club up front on his own but still gets his 20-goals a season and I am sure he will do the same again with Gary (Roberts), Ian (Craney), Andy Todd and Sean Doherty putting the balls in for him!"
Williams says the new lads like Doherty, Ian Dunbavin, Joel Byrom and Ashley Foyle have settled in.
"We had a night out for Ian Craney's birthday and Sean fitted in well there! He is a good lad and has great ability. I don't know Ian too well but he is a good goalkeeper and a good kicker of the ball.
"We will have to play a few tricks on the new lads. Leam (Richardson) is probably the main one to play tricks although Cav is bad and I have got to admit, I am too."
But Williams hopes his best trick will be scoring a few goals in the league.
