Angus Mackie keen to show how he has improved upon return to Diss Town
Returning Angus Mackie believes that Diss Town are getting an improved player to the one that left the club a couple of seasons ago.
The midfielder spent part of the 2016/17 campaign with the Tangerines, helping them to finish sixth in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division with his four goals from 16 appearances.
He then returned to his parent club Norwich United, spending a season in the Isthmian League North Division, before last term took him to Premier Division Gorleston, for whom he turned out on 29 occasions.
However, the 21-year-old is now back at Brewers Green Lane – one of eight summer signings made by manager Jon Abbott.
And in the couple of campaigns he has been away, Mackie believes that his game has come on.
“At the time I had been on the bench for Norwich United and played once or twice when the manager Steve Eastaugh told me to get some game time on loan at Diss,” said Mackie.
“I did not know much about local football then, but as soon as I got there you could see Diss had a good side.
“Ross Potter was the manager and we ended up finishing in and around the top six. I was more of an attacking midfielder then and I played a bit out on the wing.
“I have got a wiser head on me now. I do not make as many stupid tackles and I like to try to control a game from the middle of the pitch.
“Playing at Step 4 for Norwich at the age of 19 and 20, I was probably a little bit out of my depth but the experience and knowledge I gained will hopefully help me in a Diss shirt next season.”
Having spent the 2018/19 season at Emerald Park, the move back to Diss represents a step down for Mackie.
However, with the quality of player Abbott has recruited this summer – coupled with the fact four teams are likely to be promoted in 2019/20 – Mackie is confident of a swift return to Step 5.
“One of the main reasons for coming back was enjoyment – I wanted to enjoy it every week,” he added.
“I am good friends with (other new signings) Ryan Fuller and Matt Cook and when we all received approaches we decided to give it a go.
“But we have only done it because we believe we can push for promotion.
“I have dropped down to get straight back up. With four getting promoted it is something we have to be aiming for. The lads are already buzzing. We have some group chats set up and you can tell everyone is feeling good.”
