With pre-season training beginning next week, striker Olaf Koszela has spoken of his hopes for the new campaign.
Having enjoyed profitable loan spells at Tiverton and Dorchester last term – scoring 16 goals in the process – Koszela then returned to the United first-team fray towards the end of the season, figuring in the final three matches for Gary Johnson’s men.
“I went out on loan to two different clubs that I’d been at before, and they were two enjoyable experiences, both different to each other,” began Olaf.
“One was winning more games and scoring more goals, while the other was grinding out results and being in a relegation battle, but they were two successful loan spells with a decent amount of goals and a lot experience which I think I needed last year.”
“Last year was what I needed, as two years ago when Covid hit, I was playing catch up with experience and playing games, but you can’t control the uncontrollable. It was nice to finally get out playing week in, week out, for a whole year and that was the biggest thing I needed.”
“Being back in the first team was what I was waiting for, especially when you are out on loan, you think about it quite a lot, so it was nice to be back in and around it. Obviously I came on a few times and I thought I did alright, but it was just quite nice to be in a Torquay United shirt again as I’d missed it being away on loan.”
With a pre-season of hard graft now just over a week away, Koszela, for one, is clearly relishing the challenge ahead, and seize the opportunities that come his way.
“I’ve always enjoyed running, so I’m looking forward to getting back in with the lads and getting games, playing in front of the fans at Plainmoor. It will be nice to get back playing in pre-season. I think it’s an important stage for the young players because the Gaffer gives you the opportunity, and you have to take it, and prove to everyone what you have got and get a space in the team.
“For the new season I want to try and be involved more in the first team, probably more involved then I ever have been. I just want to compete for a space in the squad, and pick up more appearances then I have before, and hopefully get a few goals.”
After making a handful of appearances during The Gulls’ 2018/19 National League South triumph, the former United youth team product is now the second longest serving member of the Torquay playing squad, no doubt further enhancing his status as a firm favourite with the Yellow Army.
“I love the fans, as I was a fan before and I’ve played for the club since I was 10. I used to go to as many games as I could, so I was where they are now, and playing is quite special.”