Fitzsimons 'feels as good as ever' after making 'adjustment' for first season in League One
Ross Fitzsimons says he feels ‘as good as I ever have done’ after revealing he had to ‘adjust’ his game to cope with the demands of playing in League One for the first time in his career.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper began the season as Town’s number two after he jumped up three divisions last summer, signing for the club from Scunthorpe United, but he is now very much Kevin Nolan’s first choice having stated 22 league games in a row.
"It's my first season in League One and I feel I've taken it in my stride," said Fitzsimons, who last month signed a new deal until 2027. "I'd say I probably feel as good as I ever have done. Without sounding too big headed, I didn't feel I really needed to get out of second gear when I played at lower levels, but it's a big step up coming back into the league.
"You have to be ready, physically and mentally, at all times because you just never know what's going to happen and chances can come out of nowhere at this level. The game is broadly similar and the fundamentals are the same but it's just a bit quicker at this level and you don't have as much time to prepare yourself.
"Fitness-wise and athletically, I've had to adjust my game and I've done that and it's all for the better because I feel much better in myself and I feel as good as I ever have done."
Lee Burge started the campaign as Nolan’s number one, but Fitzsimons was confident his chance would come.
He added: "I always thought I would get a chance in some shape or form, whether it was through injury or illness, so I've kept myself mentally ready and I'd say that's the most important thing for a goalkeeper because there's no respite at this level.
"You come in and you have to perform and you have to do well and I did find that tough at first but it's all about game-time and getting into a rhythm of playing every week.
"It's brilliant to have Burgey pushing me. He's fit now and he's a top goalkeeper at this level and there's a really good camaraderie between us. That's not something I would say I've had in previous years, and the gaffer's made it very clear that there's not a number one and we're both in the picture each week. We've managed each other through the situation and he's a really nice guy.”