Downes desperate to make up for lost time
Kyle Downes is desperate to make up for lost time and fire Diss Town to promotion after rejoining the Tangerines.
The powerful forward enjoyed a successful loan spell at Brewers Green Lane but decided to return to Dereham Town before the end of the last campaign as Mark Reeves’ side went on to get relegated from the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division.
However, despite an offer to remain in Ryman League Division One North with the Magpies, Downes had no hesitation in dropping down two divisions to commit his future to Diss.
“I think it was a mistake to leave in the first place if I’m honest,” said Downes, following Diss’ pre-season home friendly with Norwich United that had to be abandoned with the visitors leading 3-0 following serious injuries to United’s Ben Thompson and the host’s Adam Burroughs.
“I had a chance of promotion with Dereham but looking back maybe I should have stayed here and now I’m fully prepared to do my all for the team.
“It is a really good club and everyone is great here so it was a no-brainer to come back.
“I want to be playing every week and even though I had offers from Dereham to stay I felt it was right to come back.
“When I left I didn’t realise how well thought of I was here and maybe I missed that because I was just concentrated on my football.
“Everyone has welcomed me back and it is a nice feeling to be wanted.
“That is not saying I wasn’t made to feel wanted at Dereham but it is great to be wanted by everyone here and have that guarantee of football.
“I had no hesitation in coming back despite the relegation and the aim now is to start scoring some goals and do my utmost.”
Turning his attention to the upcoming First Division campaign, the striker has warned his team-mates that an immediate return to the Premier Division should be their minimum expectation.
“It would be nice to go up and really that is the only aim we should have,” he added.
“I think we have a few more signings to get in and so hopefully that will happen but we have a team of players who want to go up.
“Hopefully I can help form a good strike force at this level and score some goals to help us get promoted.”
