Striker speaks exclusively to the club's official website in his first interview as a Bolton Wanderers player
Having agreed a two year deal with the club earlier this week, Jamie Proctor has high hopes for the coming season at Macron Stadium, with the forward hoping that his previous experiences will help the team as a whole this term.
Plying his trade in Sky Bet League One with his hometown of Preston North End, Crawley Town, Fleetwood Town and latterly Bradford City, the 24-year-old has certainly proven his worth in English football’s third tier.
And reflecting upon the challenge that lies ahead with Wanderers in the upcoming campaign, Proctor is relishing the opportunity to make his mark once again.
“I’m buzzing,” he said. “I’m so happy that it’s all done. It’s been on the cards for a while really, so to get in the building and fly to Sweden to meet up with the lads without missing too much of pre-season is brilliant for me.
“I think it’s very important too, that myself and the other two new lads have played in this division before – a lot of the lads in the team have played at higher levels which shows what great players they are, but I think there’s also aspects to your game that you pick up by playing at this level.
“I think the gaffer knows that and the players he’s brought in shows that – hopefully the experiences that I’ve had in this division will help and transfer out there onto the pitch.”
Linking back up with Phil Parkinson – who he worked under at Valley Parade last season – the striker admitted that the chance to reunite with the manager was one he simply couldn’t turn down.
“It definitely played its part, knowing the manager already,” he explained. “Any club that you go to, you want to have a good relationship with the gaffer and obviously here I know all about him.
“Knowing the way he plays and how he operates, alongside the other backroom staff, is a massive help. We had a good time together at Bradford, albeit a short spell, but it was a good period for me and the club too.
“It’s always something that players look at when they’re moving clubs – ultimately the manager is the person who picks the team and it’s always a major factor for anybody.”
He continued: “Under him, the fans can expect hard work and for the lads to go out there and give 100%, every single week. He will get this team playing in the right way, that being competitive and successful football.
“I think he’s shown during his time at Bradford that he can be successful and he’ll no doubt be coming here looking to replicate that. He’ll want to change the attitude of the club as a whole and get everyone looking in the right direction.
“Everyone off the pitch was pulling in the right direction, so he’ll look for a change in direction from everybody involved with Bolton Wanderers.”
Reflecting on his personal levels meanwhile, Proctor said, “I’d say I’m at a good level of fitness – I’m quite a naturally fit guy anyway and look after myself in the off-season.
“Players will always go away and have their breaks, but being involved in the play-offs back in May meant that I had an extra two-and-a-half weeks of training which will help.”
And looking ahead to the season itself, the Preston-born frontman is eager to make his mark with the Bolton faithful as early as possible.
“When it comes down to it though on a personal point of view, I want to get goals this season – that is ultimately my job.
“I’ll always be up there at the top end of the pitch, stretching the game and bringing others into play. I like to put myself about a bit on the pitch and work hard to get the team playing.
“As important as goals are to me, I like to think that I also contribute to the overall play of the team.
“Everybody is buzzing for the Sheffield United game though,” he added. “I don’t think you could have asked for a better opener, at home against one of the best teams in the league.
“Pre-season is just the build-up and the games are important as you need your fitness – I never look too much into results but we’re going to go out there in every match, get our fitness and establish out style and hopefully come the first game of the season, we’ll be ready to kick on.”