Shaun McWilliams has described the past week as a whirlwind of major life events and professional milestones.
The 27-year-old midfielder has signed for Cheltenham Town, become a father for the first time, and made his friendly debut for the Robins, all while coping with limited sleep.
McWilliams and his partner, Billie, welcomed their baby boy just before Cheltenham’s dominant 6-1 victory over Slimbridge on Saturday, where he featured for just under an hour.
“It’s been a hectic start in more ways than one,” McWilliams admitted. “The baby is here now, so it’s time to knuckle down, look after them and get some more minutes under my belt.”
Balancing pre-season training commitments with the arrival of his first child and a move to Gloucestershire, McWilliams has managed to keep focused.
“I’m quite a strong character and I’ve been able to focus on two things at once,” he said. “I wanted to take my head off football and look after those two. Then, before I knew it, the season was around the corner.
“I’ve got a job to do, getting through my first pre-season outing and getting some minutes into my legs, all while running on not much sleep!”
Now, McWilliams can fully concentrate on helping Cheltenham build on the progress made since manager Steve Cotterill’s return to the club.
The former Rotherham United and Northampton Town player revealed that Cotterill was a key factor in persuading him to join the Robins.
“I want to enjoy my football, play as much as I can and the gaffer was a massive selling point,” he explained. “I saw how they finished last year and had a phone call with the manager, who sold it to me straightaway.
“I like him as a character. When you sign for a club, the first person you meet is the gaffer and you have to get on.
“His ideas, where he sees me playing and what he wants from me – I think it’s a good match.”
After missing Cheltenham’s opening friendly at Evesham, McWilliams is now intensifying his fitness work ahead of Saturday’s home game against MK Dons, with the competitive season starting just a week later.
“The gaffer has been on me quite hard,” he said. “I’ve heard the boys have had it quite hard as well, so I’m just catching up with what they’ve been through!”
McWilliams believes Cheltenham supporters will witness an energetic midfielder keen to drive forward and contribute offensively.
“I bring energy and I like to drive and run, always trying to play forward and stretch defenders,” he said.
“When I am fully fit, I will bully the opposition and I definitely have goals in me too.
“I like to have shots and arrive late in the box. If there is a ball around the corner, I’ll be first on it – that’s my game.”