Bencherif - Good to be back

Bencherif: Delighted to be back playing his football in Nottingham

Notts County new boy Hamza Bencherif has expressed his delight at returning to Nottingham, but insists that it was a tough decision to leave Macclesfield.

The Algerian midfielder, who can also operate in defence, signed a two-year deal with the Magpies on Friday after two years at Moss Rose.

The former Nottingham Forest youngster told skysports.com that the opportunity to play in League One was too good to turn down.

"Joining Notts County was the perfect move for me because not only does it give me the chance to play League One football next season, but it means that I can return to Nottingham," he said.

Great club

"It is a great club, with the perfect set-up to do well and gain promotion next season, so I'm just looking forward to getting started again during pre-season.

"It was a tough decision to leave Macclesfield because I'm leaving behind a lot of friends and the club and supporters there were great with me, especially during the time I was injured.

"It was sad to leave, but I had to think about my career and the chance to play at a higher level was one I couldn't refuse.

"If I had stayed in League Two I would definitely have stayed at Macclesfield because I believe they can do well next season.

"Ironically, we are playing against them in a friendly this summer, so it will be nice to go back and say farewell and good luck to everyone in person.

"I will always hold the club in high regard and will watch out for their results every weekend, so I hope they can go on and do really well."

Promotion

Magpies boss Martin Allen has wasted little time in strengthening his squad this summer, with the 23-year-old becoming his fifth addition and Bencherif insists that promotion is the aim next season.

"They've made some great signings so far this summer and a lot of players that I've played with before have told me good things about Martin Allen, so there is massive potential here," he added.

"I've played against the likes of Ishmel Demontagnac before and I know that he is a very good player, so I really believe that we can do well here next season.

"I've come here to push for promotion next season and hopefully we can turn that potential into performances and results when the season starts."