Injured Matlock Town winger Craig King admits to a frustrating road to recovery

Craig King has been out injured since February 2019.

King, who joined Town from Alfreton in October 2018, ruptured his ACL in the home game with Farsley Celtic in February 2019, just a couple of days after signing an extended contract with the Gladiators.

But he can now see a light at the end of the tunnel after many months of hard work.

“I’m not yet 100 per cent,” he said. “There’s a little more for me to do yet in terms of strengthening and working a lot harder on my lateral and quick movement. I’d like to say that in another month or so I’ll be raring to go.

“It’s been a long time, it’s a long road both physically and mentally from such an acute injury and it’s quite hard doing all of the recovery work.

“It’s also been frustrating, you’re wanting to play, but it’s just one of those things unfortunately and it’s a case of just getting on with it.

“You always doubt yourself when you’ve got a bad injury wondering will I ever get back to full fitness and it’s been very tough mentally and physically.

“There’s been days when my rehab’s gone quite good and then the next day you feel it’s not gone as well as the day before that but you’ve got to drive yourself through it.”

And he hopes that he will be able to pick up where he left off and show the fans what he can do.

“The fans know how I played. I want to get back to how I was, to give the fans a show and if my rehab continues to go well I can fulfil that,” he added.

“There’s a new bunch of lads and everyone’s got to get familiar with one another but the gaffer’s made some good signings.

“The objective is to get promotion, either automatically or through the play-offs. It’s doable, definitely.

“Everyone’s working hard in training and if that can be replicated in a game situation we can be right up there. There’s strong competition for places and that can only be a good thing.”

King says the support from both the football club and the fans has spurred him on.

He added: “I’m very appreciative of the backing I received from the club who’ve been fantastic with me.

“The fans have also been great, always asking about me and willing me to get fit again, so it’s a massive thank you from me to the club and the fans.”