New recruit Nathanael Ogbeta is relishing the prospect of another promotion challenge after linking up with Wanderers, writes Pete Oliver.
Ogbeta has joined the Whites on loan from Championship side Swansea City for the rest of the season.
And after helping Peterborough United reach the League One play-offs during a successful loan spell at London Road in the second half of last season, the wing-back is hoping to go a step further with Wanderers.
“I'm just delighted. It's such a great team doing so well in the league at the moment and I'm so grateful to be part of a team that is really pushing for the top,” Ogbeta told Wanderers TV.
“It comes with pressure and wanting to win promotion and win the league but the manager is so relaxed, the players are so relaxed, and I feel that's a perfect environment to come into.
“It hasn't really gone my way at Swansea and I haven't played as much as I would have liked but I have been under some really good managers in Russell Martin, Michael Duff and Luke Williams for a short time.
“The detail I've been able to receive from these coaches, even though I haven't played, I have learnt so much and it's given me the understanding that when I was able to go to Peterborough last year I was able to do really well and I'm hoping I can do the same here and even better.
“Being part of something like that (reaching the play-offs) for me was amazing. I've seen loads of players in the past getting promotions and I would love to get one on my CV.”
Salford-born Ogbeta, who came through the Academy ranks at Manchester City and has won England caps at up to Under-20 level, joined Swansea from Shrewsbury Town in January, 2022 after chalking up more than 50 League One appearances for the Shrews.
The 22-year-old then played 20 times for Peterborough last season before injury ruled him out of their play-off semi-final loss to Sheffield Wednesday.
And he saw first-hand Wanderers’ potential when he was part of the Posh side beaten 5-0 by Ian Evatt’s men in the Whites’ history-marking 5,000th League fixture last February.
“The football you guys played that day was something else and I'm really excited to be part of it,” added Ogbeta, who becomes Wanderers’ first January signing – subject to international clearance – with Evatt’s men sitting third in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Carlisle United.
“The gaffer went through some clips with me to show me how he wants us to play and what he expects from me as a wing-back and it just suits me to a tee, so I'm really excited and can't wait to get going.
“It's only for the short term now but this is a great club and I'm just really excited. I really believe that the club is a Premier League club.
“I'd love to be part of something special. Obviously, I can't guarantee what's going to happen in the future but all I know is that while I'm here I want to give my all for the fans, for the club, and for the manager and hope that I will be part of something special while I'm here.
“We've got a lot of tough games coming up, but this is what you live for. If you can't do it in the big moments, then there's no point. I believe in the team and I believe in the way that we play and I'm really sure that we're going to go all the way.
“I'm really confident, especially with the manager, his style of play and just the atmosphere and how calm everybody is. I'm so surprised and just really praying that we can all put it together and continue to get results.”
Watch the full, first interview with our new number 17 on Wanderers TV HERE