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Sykes: "The priority has to be promotion."


New arrival Matt Sykes has high hopes for AFC ahead of the new campaign.


The Bulls' latest capture comes with an eye for goal and a Toolstation NCEL Premier Division winner's medal in his locker from his time at Worksop Town.


Sykes scored 32 goals in the Tigers' league and cup double-winning season in 2019, before scoring nine in 18 appearances in a brief spell at Yorkshire Amateur.


The striker said he is excited to link up at the top end with Ross Duggan, who bagged 34 for AFC last season in a blistering campaign which saw him score more goals than games played.


"Me and Ross have spoken extensively in recent weeks and we're both buzzing to get started," the new signing said.


"I reckon I'll complement his playing style, and he will be the same for me as I like feeding off a main striker.


"Together I don't see any reason why we both can't surpass our previous goal tallies and hopefully we can get up towards the top of the table."


Despite there being many months to go before the new season will kick-in, Sykes remained confident that both he and AFC can achieve big things over the next year.


"My aim is promotion, and I'd love to beat my record 32-goal tally, but the priority has to be promotion.


"I spoke to Matt [Chatfield] and his enthusiasm and ambition for the team was brilliant - together with the Chairman I think they will be brilliant people to play for."


"I could tell that it's a great club to be at." - Matt Sykes

With other former team mates amongst the growing Bulls squad, Sykes reckoned he will have no trouble getting settled in Forest Town.


"I've played with a few of the lads for a while now so I know what they're about.


"It's always nicer to have familiar faces when joining a new team, and thankfully I know a few of the lads already."


Had it not been for long distances, the striker could have already enjoyed a successful spell at the club, training with Rudy Funk's side during the pre-season of AFC's promotion-winning campaign in 2017/18.

However, logistics proved too difficult for Sykes at the time.

"I really liked the club but I was living in York at the time and I couldn't make many midweek games or training sessions, I so had to move to a club that worked for me," he said, "but just from pre-season I could tell that it's a great club to be at."


Sykes will be joined by further new arrivals as gaffer Matt Chatfield continues his summer recruitment drive.

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