Article appears as printed in the match programme v Tamworth on 30 August 2010.
MICHAEL BRISCOE insists it is all about taking care of business as a Kidderminster player against Tamworth this afternoon, though he is looking forward to bumping into a few old friends.
The defender made the move from the Lamb to Aggborough after playing close to 50 games for them in last season's Blue Square Premier - his second spell at the club.
With some good memories of his time there and with a number of his Tamworth teammates following him to Worcestershire in the closed season, he's never too far away from familiar territory.
He won't be giving into sentiment today, that much is for sure - but he still speaks very highly of his previous employers.
"This was the first game I looked for when the fixtures came out to be fair," he comments.
"I know the management, the staff and a few of the lads there and it is a really well-run club and I had some great times there.
"It will be a tough game for us today but it will be a good one, and we're looking forward to knuckling down and hopefully getting three points.
"Going up against your former club always means you want to play well and impress and remind people that you're still a good player.
"But overall, I am at Kidderminster now and the main aim for me today is to concentrate on getting a win, regardless of who we're playing against."
Briscoe celebrates his first goal for Harriers against Southport
Whilst the 27 year-old is rightly shelving any particular desire to prove a point against the Lambs this afternoon, he falls short of daring to underestimate them.
On the heels of winning the Conference North two seasons ago, Tamworth - with the likes of Briscoe, Tom Shaw and Nick Wright - made a flying start to their return to the top level of non-league football and also began this season in storming style with a 4-1 win over Eastbourne.
So Harriers - and the rest of the Bet Premier - should be wary, Michael adding: "We started brilliantly last year and they have kicked off similarly this time as well.
"The football they play is of a good standard and I think we probably could have pushed on a little bit further last season but we had such a small squad and injuries really left us going down hill.
"Everyone there has confidence in themselves and they're able to go out and express themselves so we know they can make it difficult for us today."
Front man Wright and fellow England C International Shaw will share similar sentiments having been part of the set-up at Tamworth last time around.
Both have impressed early on in their Aggborough careers, with ex-Macclesfield man Briscoe going on to say: "Everyone has seen what [Shaw] can do; he has already played in more or less any position here.
"People can tell by Nick's first goal for the club what sort of player he is and what he's about and both of them, like the rest of the squad, go out and give 100% and that is why we have such a fantastic work-rate in the team."
Reflecting on the whole over his start to life at Aggborough, the centre half admits he's not looked back since working his way into the team against Hednesford after an injury sustained by Tom Sharpe in the pre-season friendly.
That's not to say he takes his selection for granted - he knows only too well that the ex-Nottingham Forest man is breathing down his neck, especially after deputising for Mark Albrighton at Wrexham.
"Sharpey is a great player, he picked up his injury which was a bit unfortunate but that was when I had to take my chance.
"When he gets his he will definitely do well - when you have that competition for places it keeps you on your toes and that is the great thing about having a squad; when you're in you take your opportunity to take your shine."
10 STUPID QUESTIONS FOR: MICHAEL BRISCOE
1) What's the longest you've ever stayed awake?
When I was at school we had a 24 hour stay over… Since then, obviously, there have been a few lads holidays with the odd all-nighter. Now I prefer sleep!
2) Ever used a sock as a hand puppet when you were little?
Probably, yeah - but it wouldn't have been a regular thing, it's a bit weird.
3) Where is Osama Bin Laden?
I'll for somewhere in China. (After turning down 'Tom Shaw's back garden' and 'somewhere in England…'
4) You can go on a caravanning holiday with one alive, one dead and one fictional person. Who's in?
I'd go for Jessica Simpson, for obvious reasons, and definitely Michael Jackson as he's a legend. Fictional? I'd probably say Del boy from Only Fools.
5) Which country has the best national anthem?
England - obvious choice.
6) Speaking of anthems, how many hats do you own?
Two. I've got a wooly hat which is definitely coming out in the winter, and a cap as well, which I used to wear.
7) Are there any other Michaels you admire?
Michael Jackson obviously, and Michael Owen as I'm a Liverpool fan and he was a bit of a legend.
8) When's the last time you had a good old swear?
Probably the other week when my little boy spilt tea all over our new carpet!
9) What's the oddest dream you've ever had?
The other night I dreamt about that huge 'killer' rat that had been in the paper - I suppose that's a nightmare! It was absolutely massive and got into my bedroom. I did actually have to check for rats!
10) Which of the following do you own? Computer/iPod/Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
I've got a computer and an iPod, but no terrier.
