Midfielder Liam Blakeman is preparing to shoot on site in order to take some of the goalscoring responsibility off AFC Telford United’s strikers.

The former Southport and Burscough man found the back of the net just three times last season, but hopes to significantly improve that record this time around.

Blakeman – who was expected to be in the starting line-up for today’s Blue Square North opener against Blyth Spartans – has split opinion among fans, but is determined to repay the faith of Rob Smith and Larry Chambers.

“Last season I thought I did okay but there’s more to come and I just want to show everyone what I can do,” he said.

“I didn’t score until January – when I signed the gaffer told everyone I was a goalscoring midfielder, but I’ve changed now and I’m more of a battler,” he joked.

“This season I want to score a lot more goals. Rob and Larry have spoken to me over the summer and said I’ve got to shoot more instead of going for the killer pass.”

The 26-year-old also revealed how a frank exchange with assistant manager Chambers early in the pre-season campaign had given him food for thought.

Blakeman admits he was forced to re-assess his contribution to the team after having his input against Port Vale questioned.

“I thought I did well in the first game against Port Vale but I had a word with Larry afterwards and he told me a few home truths and that made me think.

“I thought I’d played okay but he saw it differently. We put across our points of view and after that I realised that Larry was probably right.

“I took on board what he said and I think it’s gone well since then.”