Callum Wilson lived the dream at Dumbarton last season.
But the 18-year-old attacker admits that the Sons’ campaign was a disaster, as he targets an immediate return to League One.
Wilson made his debut for the club 12 months ago as a 17-year-old who spent a year on the sidelines after leaving Hibernian.
He quickly became a key player for the club, ending his first season in senior football with 43 appearances under his belt.
However, he says he was left frustrated, despite an impressive breakthrough year.
Callum told the Lennox: “Frustration was probably the main emotion I felt at the end of the season.
“I felt I should’ve had more game time, but that was down to myself and my own form. I hadn’t hit the heights that I know I can hit.
“The season was a disaster in my eyes.
“With the team we had and the start of the season we had we should’ve been far higher in the table.
“It’s done now though, we have to look ahead to the new season and put it right.”
That motivation to put things right is what is spurring Callum on for the new campaign, which got underway with the club’s first pre-season friendly with Ayr United on Thursday night ending in a 1-1 draw - with Wilson providing an assist for Ally Love's goal.
He continued: “At this stage of my career I don’t want to be taking backwards steps. I want to be going up the way over my career, not down.
“I’m still playing professional football at a young age, but I believe I’m a League One player.
“Personally, I think we have a League One quality squad. I don’t want my next step to be back to League One, I want my next step to be into the Championship or the Premiership. So I want to be back playing in League One as soon as possible.
“Automatic promotion is, in my eyes, the only acceptable outcome this season. Anything below that will be an underachievement in my opinion.
“We’ve brought in Brett Long who is one of the best goalkeepers in League One.
“Ryan Wallace is a goalscorer too. That’s probably what we lacked the most last season, an out-and-out-forward.”
Having wondered if he had a future in football just a year ago, Callum admits the support from the Sons fans was surreal.
He continued: “I was in at a school last week and you feel a million dollars. I’m Callum Wilson from Baillieston, just a wee guy. But you’re treated like you’re a superstar.
“Hearing people sing your name, that’s the stuff that you dream of as a wee boy.
“Before I signed for Dumbarton I would say to my missus and my dad imagine getting a song sung about you.
“Then you hear it and you’re like, wow. It’s incredible.”
And Callum is now determined to reward the fans for their support by playing a key role in an instant return to League One.
He added: “I know fans who I’ll talk to like mates. That connection is important; at the end of the day they are supporting us, but we need to give a bit back.
“It’s a cliche, but without them football is nothing. The Young Sons are like a 12th man. They spur us on.”
Dumbarton face Caledonian Braves on Saturday June 25 at Alliance Park in Motherwell in their first open-door friendly of the season. Kick off is 3pm and entry by donation.
