Burton Albion utility man Aaron Webster says his fine form this term is down to his improved fitness and a much-needed jolt from manager Paul Peschisolido.Webster, 29, was not offered a new contract at the end of last season but was told he could earn a deal if he worked on his fitness over the summer.
"That's probably the little push I needed," Webster told BBC Radio Derby. "I needed that kick up the bum.
"I took what the boss said on board, worked at Derby and came back fitter."
Webster has contributed six goals already this term and has been one of the star performers as the Brewers have climbed towards the League Two play-off places and progressed in the FA Cup.
Aaron has graduated to be the new 'Mr Burton Albion'. Shaking off the indignation of being told to prove himself worthy of a new contract, he has done that and more
steve1210
He added: "That's why I am doing better on the pitch because my fitness is better.
"I probably got a bit stale and took the club for granted and it needed the manager to say 'I want to keep you but I want you to do a little bit more'."
Long-serving Webster, who has spent much of his 12 years at Burton as a left-back,
signed a one-year deal at the Pirelli Stadium before the season got under way.
And even though he had the opportunity to join Crewe Alexandra, Webster said he never wanted to leave.
"There was contact from Crewe and it was a serious offer," he explained. "But it wasn't easy to up and move especially when I had earned my deal. It was a good offer but my heart was at Burton.
"I never really wanted to go and I would have signed at the end of last season but I got the work done over the summer and impressed the manager when I came back."
And Webster, who has been used at left-back, on the left of midfield, up front and behind the front two this season, insists he is happy to play wherever he is asked.
"I'll play anywhere," Webster said. "I don't mind, as long as I'm in the team."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport