Former Newcastle United prospect ends year-long injury nightmare in South Shields FC friendly
Kyle Crossley ended a 12-month injury nightmare when he appeared in South Shield FC’s pre-season friendly with Harrogate Town.
Former Newcastle United academy forward Kyle Crossley believes his hard work has paid off after he ended his year-long injury absence with a substitute appearance in South Shields FC’s friendly defeat against National League side Harrogate Town.
The 21-year-old suffered what was described as a ‘multi-ligament injury’ in a pre-season friendly fixture against Carlisle United 12 months ago and has spent the last year working towards a comeback as his team-mate fought an ultimately unsuccessful battle to secure promotion into the top tier of the non-league game.
After returning to pre-season training earlier this month, Crossley has stepped up his bid to return to the on-field action over the last week and he was named amongst the Mariners substitutes for Tuesday night’s home game with Harrogate. The versatile forward was introduced during the latter stages of the first-half before being replaced by Sean McGurk just after the half-hour as Mike Williamson and his coaching staff take a cautious approach to his return to fitness.
After marking his comeback almost a year to the day since he suffered an injury, Crossley reflected on a ‘brutal’ recovery and rehabilitation process and quickly set his focus on earning more game-time over the coming weeks.
He told the club website: “After watching such an entertaining season being out, I just wanted to be part of it again so today was absolutely class. It was mad coming on that early and getting half an hour, I was absolutely over the moon with it. It’s been ups and downs and the first six months were brutal. The lads were doing unbelievable and you’re watching on the sidelines, on crutches and in pain, and you just want to be part of it. But towards the end, getting back into training, jogging, being involved, you know it’s soon that you’ll be back. Then today, the work has paid off. I will get a few more training sessions in, recover tomorrow, and then look forward to Saturday or Tuesday, which ever game I am involved in.”
Meanwhile, the Mariners have confirmed Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Northern Premier League Premier Division newcomers Redcar Athletic has been postponed.
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