"I've got a lot more to come this season," says Town winger Warburton

The wide man joined Town last summer after an impressive campaign at Avro FC, in the Northern Premier League West Division, three levels below the National League.

He joined Droylsden aged 17, where he made 46 appearances for the North West Counties Football League Division One South outfit, and contributed a total of 15 goals and assists.

And his rapid rise continued at The Shay, establishing himself as a first-team regular at the start of November and remaining so.

"It started off bumpy," he reflected, "I went out on loan (to Marine), it wasn't the best loan, but when I came back the gaffer had a lot of faith in me and I felt like I kicked on straight from coming back.

"I enjoyed it, the lads welcomed me back. The whole experience was pretty mad.

"I had to wait for my chance, I think my first game was Aldershot at home, and from then, I started playing and I was just loving my football towards the end of the season and, in the end, played about 22, 23 games.

"Overall, it was a good season for me, especially playing at National League level for the first time, I loved it."

Warburton says he played more games than expected last season, making 29 league appearances.

"I thought I'd spent most of the season, half the season, on loan," he said.

"That was a conversation I had with the gaffer, that I needed a bit more experience, especially making the jump up from where I was playing.

"At the start, I was playing within my shell because I was trying to fit in. A lot of these players have played higher up and I was trying to build on what I'd already been working on.

"I felt every game I was getting better and towards the end of the season, I was happy with where I ended up."

Warburton says he grew as a player and a person last season.

"I was playing with a lot more experienced players, players who've played in the Football League, and at this level for a long time," he said.

"I was playing with people who could guide me and teach me things I've not been taught before.

"It was an experience I wasn't used to and I'm just trying to build on that now and take it into this season."

Most of Warburton's appearances came at right-back.

"I came in as a winger, so I was surprised," he said.

"Right-back wasn't unfamiliar, I'd played there before, so when I was told I was going to get my chance at right-back, I was like 'well, let's see how I do' and from there, I loved it, it suited me."

Warburton's versatility down the right should come in handy for new manager John McGrath, who seem to have made a good impression on each other.

"I've had chats with him and my goals align with his," Warburton said.

"He's spoken to me about what he wants from me this season.

"I had a good relationship with the gaffer last season, he gave me the opportunity and I was grateful for that and he had a lot of confidence in me.

"But I get the same from this gaffer. We've got a good relationship already, the way he's been with the lads and me, he's been very welcoming.

"He's set his goals and I think I can help him with his and he can help me with mine."

On what his goals are for the season ahead, Warburton said: "Just to play with a bit more freedom and confidence.

"Last season, I was a bit in my shell. Not to say I wasn't playing at my best, but I've got a lot more to come this season, whether that be contributing with goals or just helping the team to win games."

Warburton is still awaiting his first goal for Town, something he is keen to put right as soon as possible.

"It was one of the first seasons where I've not scored at all," he said.

"This season, I do need to kick on a bit and I think I will, I've got that confidence now that I have played at this level.

"I can build on what I did last season and hopefully I do get my first goal because I really want that."