‘It has always meant more to play for March Town United’ - Brand speaks out on Hares return

The 27-year-old was one of a host of Hares stars who followed former boss Brett Whaley to Yaxley in the summer.

But he has returned after just four months with the United Counties League side - and he says it is good to be back.

“It didn’t work out as I’d hoped at Yaxley and I want to start enjoying my football again,” said Brand.

“Win or lose, it means a lot more to me with March than with anyone else. It always has.”

Brand, who came on as a second-half substitute in March’s 4-1 defeat to Saffron Walden on Saturday, said he was looking forward to working with boss Paul Crosbie.

“Paul is a fantastic bloke,” he said. “Considering nearly all the old squad left, he has done an awesome job. I think he’s a top coach and he’ll help me improve my game.

“I think March need to aim for top eight this year and push on from there. That is definitely achievable.

“I will play wherever I’m needed. If Paul needs a job doing, I’ll be there.”

March have scored just 19 goals in their 15 Thurlow Nunn First Division games and Crosbie said he hoped Brand could bolster their attacking threat.

“He will give us options going forward,” said Crosbie. “If we’re honest that’s where we’re lacking at the moment.

“Ash has heard good things about what we’re trying to do and he wants to be part of the club - that is very important.”

Keeper Marc Hipwell is missing for March’s clash with Swaffham Town at the GER tomorrow.

Crosbie said he was desperate for his side to end their league losing streak, which stretched to five games with Saturday’s defeat. Danny Emmington grabbed March’s goal but Walden ran away with it in the second half.

“The positive was we never gave up,” said Crosbie. “They tried for 90 minutes to play the way I want them to. It was just one of those days where it didn’t matter what they did, it wasn’t working.

“I would rather lose 4-1 trying to win a game than 2-1 sitting back.”