Blair Yule admits he is keen to try full-time football at some point in the future but for now the former Cove Rangers player is concentrating on keeping his starting place in the Arbroath team.
The 25-year-old Aberdonian, who joined the Lichties from the Highland League side during the summer, was outstanding in all areas of the pitch during the well-deserved 2-0 victory over Queen’s Park at Gayfield on Saturday.
He helped out in defence when necessary, was creative in midfield and posed a threat from forward positions, as he proved by grabbing the decisive second goal.
Yule said: “I was chuffed to get the goal but the main thing was to get off to a good start in the league and we did that.
“We played very well as a team and now it’s a case of onwards and upwards.
“I’m really enjoying my time here.
“I feel I’ve been made very welcome and the guys have been good to me.
“It’s a step-up in level, the pace is a lot quicker and it will take a bit of time to get used to it, but it has all been good so far.
A proposed move to Inverness Caley Thistle in the close season failed to materialise but Yule has no regrets.
He said: “There was talk about me going to Inverness but that broke down.
“However, given that I am working full-time and I am just about to finish a part-time degree course, I think this is the best option.
“I’m glad I chose to come here.
“I would love to try full-time football but this step-up has been a challenge for me. I just want to concentrate on keeping my place in the team here first as it’s a really good squad.”
Dick Campbell’s men began the afternoon by watching the League Two championship flag being unfurled before going on to celebrate with a classy performance which suggests they will be no pushovers at this level.
The opening goal came in the 37th minute, Danny Denholm opening the scoring by clipping the ball into the net after failing to connect with his first attempt.
The second came in the 61st when Steven Doris, who later sustained what appeared to be a nasty injury, broke powerfully down the right before delivering a wonderful ball into the path of Yule who fired powerfully into the net.
Denholm came close on another couple of occasions while a Doris header rebounded off a post but the Lichties were unable to extend their lead.