Steven Tames on his return to Witton Albion

Given his first spell at the club yielded 49 goals in 90 appearances, it is a notion that will be music to Albion fans’ ears.

The frontman left for Welsh side Bala Town in 2018 but has now found his way back to Wincham Park via a spell at Ashton United.

The 28-year-old, who sat out Tuesday’s 0-0 friendly draw with Southport due to injury, insists he is better equipped to shine than when he previously pulled on the red and white stripes.

“I’d say so,” he said when asked whether he has improved as a player since leaving.

“Last season was tough personally for me, not getting a good run of games and not playing as much as I expected.

“I’m a lot more experienced now though, both on and off the pitch.

“We have a young squad here so I’m hoping I can help them out as much as I can.”

It is a move that reunites Tames with manager Carl Macauley and assistant Gary Martindale, his relationship with whom goes back further than their Witton days.

He also played under the duo at Vauxhall Motors – a spell that was similarly goal-laden.

With all that in mind, Tames was quick to jump at the chance to return to his old stomping ground.

“I’ve played my best football under Carl and Gary,” he said.

“I’ve got a good relationship with both of them in and off the field.

“Also, the time I had at the club in the two seasons I was here was brilliant, so it was definitely a no-brainer.

“I think they play to the strengths of my game and they give me a lot of confidence when I’ve played under them.

“Even if I’ve had a bad spell of not scoring or not playing well, they still believe in me to change that.

“That’s all you want as a player – someone who believes in you and backs you.”

A lack of goals hampered Witton’s push for a play-off spot before the Northern Premier League Premier Division season was curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

They had netted just 40 times in their 31 games as they ended 14th – a record Tames will be hell-bent on trying to improve.

Despite plenty of teams throwing big sums of money at a push for promotion for this coming season, the striker still believes Albion should be aiming high.

“I think we got to be aiming towards the play-offs, but its a very tough league which seems to be getting harder every single season,” he said.

“I always try and aim for 20+ goals a season in all competitions.

“I think that’s most strikers’ aim, but I will have targets of hitting a certain amount of goals after a few months and work from there.

“Most of all though, I want to get back to enjoying it, playing as many games as I can and hopefully having a good season as a team and being competitive in every game we play.”