Preece knew future was at New Lawn

The defender revealed that negotiations for a new deal broke down, before he shocked everyone by returning to the club just six weeks after he was released.

"There were just a few bits and pieces that needed to be sorted for us to come to an agreement," said Preece.

"I asked if I could speak to other clubs, but I always knew there was a chance I would be staying."

Bristol-based Preece was then left with the daunting prospect of trying to find a new club but he admitted he never spoke to anyone else, and after a chat with Forest Green's player-assistant manager Jamie Pitman, negotiations were back on.

"I spoke to Jamie Pitman and he told me to ring the gaffer.

"He (Manager, Jim Harvey) said it was a big year for me and time to step up to the challenge, which isn't a problem for me because I enjoy a challenge."

The 21-year-old agreed a one-year deal in the end and he's glad the situation has been resolved, although he knows not to make any guarantees for the future.

"It's nice to stay, hopefully we'll have a good season," said Preece.

"I know the situation here better than I would at a new club but you're never sure what's around the corner."

Preece has been back training with the squad for the last two weeks and is in the squad for the friendly against Bristol City on Saturday.

He made 36 appearances last season for Harvey's men, who finished eighth in the Blue Square Premier Division in their best ever season.

Preece knows that expectancy levels for the next campaign could be higher now, but he expects the squad to rise to the challenge.

He said: "I would like to think we'll do very well, we were inconsistent last season, but we've got a few new players, so we'll look to push around the top.

"Every club wants to be at the top, if you didn't you would be in the wrong place.

"There's a bit of pressure because of last year, everyone knows our potential now, so it's going to be harder but we can do a good job."