CRAIG Clay admits he "lost his way" after dropping out of the full-time game – but insists he will repay Grimsby Town for giving him a second chance.
The central midfielder penned a one-year deal with the Mariners on Monday after impressing boss Paul Hurst as a trialist.
The 22-year-old believes he will make the most of that return from the wilderness of part-time football.
Having progressed through Chesterfield's Youth system, Clay moved on to York City before dropping into the part-time ranks with Halifax and Worksop Town.
"When I moved to York, I signed a two-year deal and I was over the moon. For one reason or another that didn't work out and I moved to Halifax and part-time football, which was a bit different," he said.
"I have always been used to being a full-time footballer and training every day, so it was a big change for me and it knocked my confidence – I lost my way a bit to be honest.
"But Grimsby have given me a chance to get back into full-time football and it means a lot.
"When you've had that time out of the full-time game, you realise how lucky you were to be a professional footballer – so to get that second chance is fantastic."
He continued: "Coming here on trial, you're under pressure straight away to impress the manager and your new team-mates, so I was delighted when I was told that I was getting a deal.
"The lads and the gaffer made me feel really welcome during my trial.
"The gaffer and Doigy (assistant boss Chris Doig) had confidence in me and that has boosted the confidence I have in myself. For me – it's now all about repaying the faith they've shown in me."
Clay has already played five times for the Mariners, with pre-season outings against Harrogate, Matlock, Doncaster Rovers, Mansfield and Sunderland under his belt. And he has been impressed by the quality of his new side.
"Obviously there are some quality midfielders here already but the aim is to make that breakthrough into the first-team and help the team succeed this season," he remarked.
"It's clear that we've got a strong squad here. Before coming on trial, I was training with Notts County and looking at the two groups of players, there's not much difference between them in terms of quality at all.
"The players here are all hard workers and they've all got quality – there is a real feeling that we can do something this season.
"I just can't wait for the season to start now. It seems to have come around so quickly this summer with the World Cup being on, but I'm ready for it and raring to go."
