A return to training for Josh Dixon today, albeit completely non-contact, must feel like a huge step forward for the 22-year-old following what has been a horrible three years of bad luck.
A lot of hard work, grit and determination has gone into the last eight months, since he went under the knife in May, and fingers are crossed that this will see a return to action sooner rather than later for the popular midfielder.
“It was his first session back with us, albeit as a floater – so nobody was allowed to tackle him,” manager Paul Simpson explained.
“But that’s a big step for him on his recovery and his time to get back out on the pitch. He’s actually been out running on the grass for a few weeks.
“He’s joined in passing drills, and I think he’s enjoyed that. But to actually be part of the group and stick a bib on, even though he’s a floater and nobody can make contact with him, it’s great for him to be part of it, part of the football sessions again and part of the group.
“Hopefully he carries on in the way that he has done. Obviously he has that enthusiasm to go and tackle everything, so it’ll be difficult for him to resist that urge. He seemed good, and he’ll get a huge lift from that as well. Hopefully his recovery continues.”