Fleetwood Town defender feels more secure with his new contract

The defender made his league debut earlier this season and is approaching a dozen appearances for the Cod Army, earning his new deal in the process.

He said: “It just settles you down, especially with the climate we’re in at the minute.

“To have two years here, I know I can get my head down, keep working hard, kick on and hopefully really break into the first team.

“People develop at different rates. Some might make their debut at 16 and some might make it at 23, you never know when it’s going to be.

“As long as you’re working hard and you make sure you’ve done everything before you’re given that chance, once you go on that pitch then you take it.

“A lot of lads made their debuts before me and it was good for me to see them do that, but in my head, I was thinking I want that to be me.

“I just had to be patient, wait for the chance and then take it when it came.”

Though he is delighted with how the season has gone so far, Holgate admitted there had previously been some frustration.

A group of academy players had been in the first team picture, meaning Holgate could only look on as they were given the opportunity he sought.

Holgate used that frustration, however, to make sure he couldn’t be ignored any longer.

He explained: “The main reward when you’re doing well is your debut for the 23s and in training, so there were times when I was getting frustrated.

“The 23s’ coach, Stephen Crainey, is great for that. Every day you put that frustration into your work and you show on the pitch that you are ready so that people start to take note of it.

“Instead of just sulking around, you’re making strides every day, getting better and better, and there’s a point where you can’t be ignored.

“They’ve got to give you that chance when you’re doing well.”

Though Town are winless under interim boss Simon Wiles, Holgate feels a good run of form isn’t far away.

“I don’t think the results have necessarily reflected the performances,” he said.

“Once that clicks and we get a few goals we’ll be in a good position to go on a run.”

Town have also confirmed Nathan Sheron has been recalled from his season-long loan at St Mirren.

The 23-year-old – who joined the Buddies in July – made nine appearances for them, seven in the league and two in the League Cup.

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