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While Gresley Rovers strive for Beazer League honours one Moatman is fighting a far tougher battle on his own.
John Barry, whose footballing future seemed wrecked after a tragic work accident left his thigh broken in four places, is on his way back – for certain.The 24-year-old Long Eaton-based upholster said as much himself after winning the first stage of his comeback fight on Saturday – and walking back into the Moat Ground.
It may have been on crutches – Barry’s shattered leg is held together by steel plates and he does not expect it to touch the ground again for at least another three months – but, after stepping back into the dressing room to a resounding cheer from his team-mates, Barry declared: “I’ll be back. It’s just a matter of time – and I’ve got plenty of that!”
“It’s not as if I’m in my 30’s or anything – I’ve still got youth on my side. It might take a lot more than a year, bit I can’t wait to start training and playing again.”
Cheerful in the face of such adversity, Barry admits he was devastated when the X-rays first showed the extent of the damage caused by falling through a roof.
“When it first happened they said I’d never play again and that was very hard to take. But when I went to see a doctor who examined me and told me that it would be a long time but I would be OK in the long run.
“It’s been a big blow to me because I’ve never had anything like a serious injury before. I’d never had more than a week off week.
“I’ve got to wait for a year before they take the pins out and my long term aim is to be playing again not this Christmas but the Christmas or New Year after that. It’s a long time and I have to take things step-by-step, but I’ve started physio this week and I feel much better much stronger.”
Rovers are keeping a keen eye on his recovery and a half time bucket collection for him during the Barclays Southern League Cup match against Burton Albion at the Moat Ground raised more than £400.
He said: “I just can’t find the words to say how much the club has done for me. And it was a great surprise to get two cards delivered to me in hospital signed by hundreds of people – all Gresley fans. It was absolutely brilliant and I can’t thank people enough.
“It had been great to come back to the ground with everyone asking how I’m getting on. Of course, the lads are doing well without me so they’re not missing me much. We’ve got a good squad together now – and I just can’t wait to be part of it again.”
