Sound advice from experienced Raynes to his younger team-mate Brad Walker, as he gets set for 'easier' second season.

Experienced defender Michael Raynes is backing Brad Walker to fulfil his full potential and show everyone his array of talent next season. By his own admission last week, Walker admitted that he found settling in South Cheshire difficult after moving down from his Hartlepool home, but Raynes, who did the same thing when moving to Oxford United as a young professional knows exactly what he went through.

Walker still made an impressive 34 appearances during his debut season with the club, but Raynes says there is still more to come from the likable 23-year-old.

Raynes told the club’s official website: “Brad has everything. I see it every day in training. He is still young and has great potential. I honestly believe that he has the ability to play in the Championship and I will do everything I can to help him realise his potential. He is a good lad and I hope it clicks for him I really do.

“I’ve told him he can go as far as he wants to in the game and everyone here wants him to do well. We will help him as much as we can.

“It wasn’t easy for him last season, moving to a new club, away from his family and the comforts that bring.

“I did it at a similar age to Brad. I moved to Oxford and I didn’t enjoy the first year. It was one of the worst periods of my life but I had to stick at it and came through. It does get better. You don’t think it will at times, but it does.

“You get into the routine, you focus on your training and you get used to your new surroundings. It can be a culture shock but moving is a big part of being a footballer. It does get easier. The second year is easier."