NEW Shakers keeper Alan Fettis insists he has not come to Gigg Lane to be put out to pasture.

The former Northern Ireland international arrived at the club this week to a mixed reaction from supporters. But the veteran keeper has said he has plenty more left in his tank, and has vowed to win over the fans.

"People think because of my age that I am just seeing out the rest of my career here, but they couldn't be more wrong," said Fettis, who can count spells at Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United and Hull City on an impressive CV.

"I always said that I would go on until I was 38, but in the last few years I have started to think I could go on even longer.

"I remember when I was in the Northern Ireland squad a couple of years ago and Dave Beasant was goalkeeping coach. He looked sharper than ever at 42, and played for Fulham that season.

"If you look after yourself and keep yourself fit, then there is absolutely no reason why you can't go on.

"It is a challenge for me, and I can't wait to get going."

After losing out on a loan deal for Kasper Schmiechel and a permanent move for Les Pogliacomi, Chris Casper turned to 35-year-old Fettis to plug the gap left by the departure of Neil Edwards and Craig Dootson. But Shakers assistant Ian Miller who worked with Fettis at Blackburn Rovers has strongly denied that the club have settled for second best.

He said: "Alan has proven experience, and we did our homework on him. He comes very well recommended from anyone he has ever worked with.

"He will be great for the dressing room because he is a very strong character, and still has the desire to do well."

It came as some surprise when Macclesfield released the Belfast-born stopper after making 75 appearances for the club.

He had helped the Silkmen into the play-offs in his first full year, but fell out of favour midway through their last campaign after the arrival of Manchester United youngster Tommy Lee.

"I was shocked when Macclesfield let me go, but then that is football. Sitting around and being bitter about it will get you nowhere," said Fettis, who left the club with a ringing endorsement from manager Brian Horton.

And despite entering into his 16th season in English football, Fettis insists he has plenty left to achieve.

"I have played something like 420 games in my career, so I would dearly love to make it to 500," he said.