Exclusive interview with new Windsor striker Michael Chennells

Sportsdesk • Published 16 Dec 2011 14:30 0 Comments

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STAG MEADOW assassin Michael Chennells has made a remarkable return to Windsor, declaring: 'It's great to be back.'

The prolific 25-year-old striker became a cult hero on the terraces for his goalscoring exploits with the now-defunct Windsor & Eton FC.

And after failing to settle elsewhere, Chennells is back where he belongs after signing for newly-formed Windsor FC last week.

His return is massively popular with Windsor fans, and recapturing Chennells is a major coup for manager Keith Scott and assistant Jim Melvin

Speaking exclusively to the Observer, Chennells said: "I spoke to Steve Bateman at Slough Town and I spoke to Chesham as well.

"Dave Anderson from Harrow Borough has also been on the phone and Arlesey Town were interested. But my goal was to enjoy football again and the place I knew I would do that was Windsor.

"That is no disrespect to the other clubs but I didn't want to go somewhere to sit on the bench again."

Chennells marked his return in the 1-0 win at South Park on Saturday and he is set to make his home debut for Windsor FC this weekend.

"It's great to be back," he beamed. "The club hasn't really changed, the fans are the same and I knew I would enjoy being back at Stag Meadow.

"A lot of the old Windsor & Eton players have also come back and it's a great feeling.

"I haven't set a target yet. I just want to get back to enjoying my football and hopefully the goals will come."

Not surprisingly, Chennells has fitted straight back in at Stag Meadow, having scored more than 100 goals for Windsor & Eton during a prolific four-year spell.

His 31 goals propelled the club to the Southern League Division One South & West title in 2010 under Scott and Melvin leading to interest from Football League clubs.

Sadly, a six-week trial with Brentford failed to result in a contract offer. And, though Crawley Town were eager to sign him after an impressive trial game, the timing was all wrong as Chennells was studying for his finals at university.

He ended up joining Southern Premier side Brackley Town in February this year, but his stint there was blighted by injury.

"It didn't really work out for me at Brackley," he explained. "I wasn't enjoying my football and I needed a change.

"I started two or three games at the beginning of the season but I've only had four or five 90 minutes under my belt.

"I have just started a new job as well and I just wanted to get back to playing regular football and enjoying it.

"I spoke to Brackley and left them on good terms. As soon as Keith Scott found out he was straight on the phone."

And he insisted: "Keith and Jim were a big part of my reason for coming back. We had a good relationship at the old club and we enjoyed a lot of success.

"When I heard they wanted me it was a no-brainer really. I know he will get the best out of me."

He also admitted: "I've had a bit of a torrid time since Windsor & Eton folded. I went to Brackley then did my ankle in my first game and was out for six weeks.

"I came back from that, played two games and did it again. Then in pre-season this summer I did it a third time which really set me back even further.

"It was a really frustrating time but hopefully it's all behind me now.

"My aim is to do everything I can to bring success to Windsor. We're in the mix and hopefully we can push on from here."

Despite going so close to making it as professional footballer, Chennells feels no bitterness and insists his life now is finally on track.

The likeable and intelligent striker has completed his degree, has started his first full-time job as a quantity surveyor and is back playing football purely for the love.

"I had a trial at Brentford just before my final year of university," he explained. "I spent six weeks there but nothing materialised.

"I also had a trial Crawley Town and played in a friendly, but I had my final exams coming up and I wanted to carry on with my studies.

"To be honest, I think my chance of playing professionally went with that.

"But I'm happy, my life is finally settling down and I'm back where I know I will enjoy my football."

This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 15 Dec 11

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