New boy Spencer Weir-Daley explains to Paul Taylor at the Nottingham Evening Post just why he has decided to turn down a new at Nottingham Forest to team up with Steve Thompson at Meadow Lane.

Article from Nottingham Evening Post, Saturday 23 June 2007.

Striker Spencer Weir-Daley today pledged to prove himself at Notts County, after rejecting the offer of a new contract at Forest.

The quick-heeled 21-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Meadow Lane, after admitting he was desperate for the chance of first-team football.

Weir-Daley said it was a tough decision to leave the City Ground, but revealed he was sold on the idea by Magpies manager Steve Thompson.

He also rejected an offer from Bradford City to link up with Notts.

"There is part of me that feels I have a point to prove, having been on the sidelines for so long at Forest," said Weir-Daley.

"I don't feel bitter, you should always look forwards rather than backwards and I am looking to the future now.

"But that is one of the reasons why I decided to come here. I wanted to play first team football and I think I will get the chance to do that here.

"I also liked what the manager had to say to me, he sold the club very well."

Weir-Daley made seven substitute appearances in the league for Forest, but did start two Cup matches, scoring his only goal for the club in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Woking.

But he did prove himself a threat during loan spells with Macclesfield, Lincoln and Bradford last season, scoring eight goals during a total of 11 starts and 12 substitute appearances with the three clubs. "I have not set any targets in terms of goals - other than wanting to score in every game I play in," he said.

"My first goal is to establish myself in the team, because I am taking nothing for granted.

"I guess, in theory, it would make a decent partnership, with me and Jason Lee playing up front. But mainly I just want to learn from him.

"I played against him last season and he is still very fit, but he has that experience as well."

Weir-Daley said he was tempted to stay with Forest, particularly after being recalled from Bradford to be included in the squad for the play-off semi-final first leg at Yeovil, where he impressed during a substitute appearance.

"I did have the offer of a one-year contract from Forest, but having sat down with my family, I felt this was the best move for me," he said.

"I did think that being recalled and playing a part in the play-offs might have meant that there was a route back for me at Forest. But it was the right time to leave, it was the right decision.

"Bradford was another option for me, I enjoyed my time there on loan.

"But coming to Notts felt right. It feels like a good move for me.

"I hope it turns out that way. I can't wait to get started.

"I've been away on holiday already, so I guess the hard work starts here for me."