Joseph Kendrick has returned to familiar surroundings after joining Drogheda United for the second time in his career and he is excited about what the team can achieve this season.

The 26-year-old was part of the Boynesiders team that went so close to knocking Dynamo Kiev out of the Uefa Champions League qualifiers in 2008, but he has travelled around quite a bit since then.

After Drogheda had slipped into examinership Kendrick opted to take up an offer to play in Azerbaijan with Neftchi Baku. However, that was a move he was soon to regret as it quickly turned into a nightmare.

He returned to the domestic game last year with a short spell at Sligo Rovers, although he is glad to be back in United Park and playing regularly.

"It’s great to be back playing for the club. I only chose to go to Sligo as they were able to offer full-time terms," admitted Kendrick.

"Alan [Mathews] did ask me to sign last year but could only offer me a part-time contract. I’ve always felt very welcome in Drogheda and have a lot of friends here."

There has been a lot of changes to the County Louth club since he was last employed by them, but he thinks the squad that Mathews has assembled is stronger than last year's and one that could help them finish higher up the Premier Division table.

While he acknowledges that things won't fall into place straight away, Kendrick is optimistic about Drogheda getting back on track and enjoying a relatively successful year.

"Alan has brought in a lot of good players. It’s up a level from last year," he said.

"It will still take time for the team to gel together but there’s a great buzz about the place at the moment."