Leatherhead striker Greg Andrews has admitted he considered never returning to Fetcham Grove after falling out of favour with boss Richard Brady and being loaned out to Walton and Hersham, only to return and suffer relegation.


After such a turbulent year it was touch and go whether he would ever wear a Tanners shirt again, with Andrews himself uncertain of his future.


However, after an impressive pre-season campaign, Andrews is back in the green of Leatherhead with a clean slate and he has committed himself to Brady’s push for a return to Ryman Premier League football.


Andrews, pictured right with Walton manager Chuck Martini, said: “When I went to Walton there was a lot going on and I said to myself that I would never return to Leatherhead.


“Even when I came back at the end of the season I thought I would not be going back after the summer.


“But then I got thinking over the break about football and decided to wipe the slate clean. It’s a new start and a new season. I know in myself what I can do and if I have a good pre-season and get some goals I can carry that on into the season. I would love to get lots of goals for the fans.”


Andrews was on target in a 1-1 draw against Bognor Regis last week and starred in a 5-0 win over Guildford City last Sunday.


The scoreline brings Tanners’ tally of pre-season goals to 15 in five games and the front trio of Andrews, Tommy Bradbrook and Tommy Hutchings are gelling well as a unit.


Andrews said: “It is the two of them up front and I play just off them.
 

“They are linking up well although they are now having to do things differently.

“It is like little and large – Tommy (Bradbrook) is getting used to getting the flick-ons.

“He’s never really worked as the tall guy before, but it seems to be working well.


“As a team we’re mentally stronger having been relegated and a lot of the lads have played at this level before so we know what it is all about.


“I think we should be tipped as one of the favourites and so we have to step up to that tag.”


Leatherhead host Welling United on Saturday in their final pre-season friendly, before Whitstable arrive at Fetcham Grove for the season opener.