Roche was delighted to be at the club and is keen to get started with the next stage of his career.

He said: "It's been really good. I was a bit nervous coming into a new dressing room, it's like the first day of school all over again but they are a really good set of lads.

"Nobody looks forward to pre-season training, it doesn't matter what position you play in. But it is one of those things, you have got to do it and if you do a good pre-season then hopefully gives you a good start to the season.

"I am very excited. I have been really really excited the last few days looking forward to a fresh start, a new challenge, meeting new bunch of lads and working under Sammy McIlroy.

"I wasn't happy at Chesterfield for the last six months and I asked the club for a transfer and they kindly agreed.

"The manager here rang me and offered me a contract and it was all done quite quickly.

"In the last few months at Chesterfield things had gone a bit stale for me and I wasn't enjoying going in in the morning but it is a fresh start and one that I am looking forward to."

Roche played against the Shrimps twice last season for Chesterfield, both games ending in draws.

He said: "I thought in their debut season Morecambe did absolutely superbly.

"At our place we felt we should have won comfortably. But I remember coming up here and in the second half we were completely outplayed and were lucky to come away with a point.

"From what I have seen last year and what the gaffer has added there is a lot of talent in this team, a lot of promise."

Roche will be battling with Scott Davies for the number one shirt when the season kicks off at Wycombe on August 9.

Roche said: "He played very well when we came up here and I have heard good reports on him but compeititon in any position is good so I am looking forward to it.

"It is down to both of us to work hard and when the chance comes we have got to take it."