JONATHAN HEDGE is determined to consign a tough period of his career to the past and show the form that had him down as one of Non-League‘s most highly-rated goalkeepers.
The Gainsborough Trinity stopper played for England C when he was at Step 4 with FC Halifax Town.
After helping the Shaymen to two promotions, he joined Tamworth and then landed a full-time move to Cambridge United.
That turned sour and he then spent a season as understudy to James McKeown at Grimsby Town. Last year, he was at Trinity in National League North, but the 27-year-old is aiming to play a bigger role this time around.
“I’ve had a tough few years,” said Hedge. “I fell out of love with the game and wasn’t enjoying it. I nearly came to the point where I was going to pack it all in. Then I had a phone call to get back involved, which I did.
“My main target is to play as many games as I can and contribute to the team in an effective way. I want to start enjoying my football again.
“I’m only 27, so I don’t want to stop too soon. If I can work hard in pre-season and get the No.1 shirt, then I can see where it takes me.
“I was on a high at Halifax, the same with Tamworth. Then, I had a couple of moves that didn’t really work out. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but that’s gone.
“I’ve found a club where I can do enjoy it again and a club who match my ambition. Hopefully, we can go hand in hand.”
It’s all changed at Trinity this season, with new boss Dom Roma making the transition from player to manager. He’s been busy putting his own stamp on the squad and Hedge likes what he’s seen.
“You can tell the quality has risen,” he said. “There are some big teams in the National League North, so it will be a tough league. “But you’ve got to go in with the belief you will do well and we will. ”
