OFFRANDE Zanzala admits it’s a “crucial year” after the injury-hit striker dropped down to the National League with AFC Fylde following his Newport County AFC departure.

The Exiles released the 27-year-old at the end of last season after he suffered terrible luck with injuries over two campaigns at Rodney Parade.

Zanzala made a very bright start to life in Newport but suffered a serious hamstring injury and then ruptured knee ligaments.

The forward, a popular figure in the squad and always positive despite his misfortune, made his return at the start of February and memorably scored a double at Harrogate later that month.

He was released at the end of last season after making a total of 34 appearances and scoring six goals for County.

BLOW: Offrande Zanzala's bright start to life in Newport was derailed by injuryBLOW: Offrande Zanzala's bright start to life in Newport was derailed by injury

Zanzala took part in Professional Footballers' Association training camps this summer along with fellow ex-Exile and now Crewe striker Omar Bogle.

That work has paid off with a move to Flyde, who avoided the drop by three points last season, to be reunited with his former Carlisle boss Chris Beech.

Zanzala will hope to rack up the games in Lancashire to build up a head of steam.

“I’ve been speaking to the head coach and I can’t wait to get going and help get the club where it wants to be,” said the striker.

“The club has ambitions to go higher and so me coming here was certainly something I wanted to do.

“I’ve got loads of experience in the leagues which is something I want to bring to the team. It’s a crucial year for me football-wise and for the years to come.

“I want to give my all to the club and having played under the head coach before and having that understanding will only help me.

“I’m a player who shows a lot of energy on the pitch. I like to speed in play with quick passing and movements in behind. I like to link up with my teammates a lot, I’m direct and hungry and I have a desire to score goals.

“My character shows in how I play – by working hard – and I’m sure the fans will see attributes of mine which will hopefully help the team progress.”

Zanzala’s deal means that defender Declan Drysdale is the only one of County’s leavers to yet have a confirmed destination. The centre-back has been pictured training with Tranmere in his native Birkenhead.

COUNTY'S LEAVERS

Jonny Maxted (goalkeeper) - Brackley.
Joe Day (goalkeeper) - Cheltenham.
Harrison Bright (defender) - Salisbury.
Declan Drysdale (defender) - TBC.
Ryan Delaney (defender) - Swindon.
Scot Bennett (defender/midfielder) - Cheltenham.
Sam Bowen (midfielder) - Solihull Moors.
James Waite (midfielder) - Weston-super-Mare.
Harry Charsley (midfielder) - Oldham.
Omar Bogle (striker) - Crewe.
Offrande Zanzala (striker) - Fylde.