Josh Andrews says he is delighted to be back available for selection after an eight-week spell on the sidelines as the Mariners prepare to welcome York City to Blundell Park on Saturday.
The striker suffered a hyperextended knee during training in the week following Town’s opening-day victory over Exeter City, ruling him out of action for around two months. Andrews made his return as a substitute against his former club Gillingham last Saturday, almost marking the occasion with a goal shortly after coming onto the pitch.
The forward admitted that the injury had been difficult to deal with mentally but believes the time away from the pitch allowed him to work on his fitness and return in good condition. Andrews also discussed the support he received from the coaching and medical staff during his rehabilitation, the squad’s response to a difficult run of results and the importance of building on recent performances.
With a large crowd expected at Blundell Park on Saturday, he is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere again and hopes Town can use the backing of the supporters to carry their recent momentum into the York City fixture.
Here’s everything Josh had to say ahead of Saturday’s game…
On returning from injury
Andrews admitted that being sidelined for eight to nine weeks was difficult after such a positive start to life at Blundell Park, but is delighted to be back involved with the squad.
The striker suffered the injury during a training session shortly after the opening-day victory over Exeter City and has worked hard throughout his rehabilitation to ensure he returned in the best possible condition.
“It’s really good. Obviously, after beating Exeter, it was a real high, first game of the season, and then the first session after to get an injury for eight or maybe nine weeks.
“It was tough, but being back, it’s what footballers want to do, be playing football. So, yeah, it’s been really good.”
On his rehabilitation and recovery
The forward explained that he hyperextended his knee during training and described the injury as something that was difficult to prevent.
Andrews acknowledged the mental challenge of being away from the group but was determined to use the time productively, focusing on improving his physical condition ahead of his return. He also praised the support he received from everyone at the Club throughout the rehabilitation process.
“The injury was the Monday session after the Exeter win. I just hyperextended my knee. It was one of them that you can’t really do much about.
“It was pretty hard mentally to deal with, but I just tried to take all that time that I had off to better myself and get my body in the best shape that it can be in to return.
“It’s never easy, but by putting the hard work in, you get out what you put in. I’ve come back feeling really good, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and getting back with the team.”
On the support from the Club
Andrews was also keen to highlight the importance of the support he received from his teammates, coaching staff and medical department during his time out.
The striker explained that remaining involved with the group was particularly important, helping him avoid feeling separated from the squad while working towards his return.
“They’ve been really good. They kept me in and around it because it’s quite easy to, when you’re injured, become separated from the squad.
“But they really helped me stay involved with everyone, and I feel like I’m in a really good place.”
On making his return against Gillingham
Andrews made his long-awaited return from injury during Tuesday night’s victory at Gillingham, coming up against his former club. The forward almost marked the occasion with a goal shortly after entering the action, but saw his effort saved before Kieran Green struck the rebound against the post.
Although he would have enjoyed scoring against his former teammates, Andrews was pleased to be back on the pitch and believes the overall team performance provided a significant lift.
“It would have been lovely. I liked my time at Gillingham, and I enjoyed the staff and working with the players, but it would have been quite sweet to get a goal.
“I had that chance pretty soon after coming on, but the keeper saved it, and I think Greeny hit the rebound into his own face off the post!
“That performance from everyone against Gillingham was really good. It was a really good performance and the first away win of the season, so I’m sure that’s given everyone a real lift.”
On building momentum ahead of York City
Town have collected four points from their last two league fixtures, following a deserved draw at Rochdale and Saturday’s victory at Gillingham. Andrews believes the squad have remained committed to their principles throughout a difficult spell and is determined to see the team build on the recent improvement.
The striker acknowledged that results had not always reflected the performances but believes the Mariners are now beginning to see the rewards for their hard work.
“We went on a little bit of a downward bit of four losses, and we stopped that early rot at Rochdale with a really good performance and potentially should have come away with three points.
“We took that point and took it into Gillingham, and now we’ve got a bit of momentum behind us. It’s time for us to keep that going and take it into York.
“I think the performances haven’t reflected the results early on. We’ve said you just have to keep sticking at it and not change the principles of how we play.
“We’ve got a bit between our teeth now, we’ve dug down and really turned out the performances, and we’ve started getting the results. It’s time to keep that up.”
On Saturday’s opponents, York City
York arrive at Blundell Park having made an encouraging start to life back in the Football League following their promotion from the National League last season. Andrews recognises the quality within the visitors’ squad but believes Town can use home advantage and the backing of the Mariners’ supporters to produce another positive performance.
The striker is particularly looking forward to the early kick-off and hopes the atmosphere can help the team maintain their recent momentum.
“York are a good team, and they’ll be up for it, and so will we.
“It’s an early kick-off, and I’m hoping we can start strong and keep that going.
“I’m sure our fans will be amazing again, like they have been throughout the whole season. That place will be rocking, and let’s ride that momentum.”
On the Blundell Park atmosphere
Having made his first appearance at Blundell Park on the opening day of the season, Andrews is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere again in front of a packed home crowd. Saturday will only be his second home appearance for the Mariners, and he is eager to enjoy another occasion in front of the Town supporters.
He also praised the backing the team have received both home and away throughout the campaign.
“I’m looking forward to it because my first taste of it was Exeter, the first game of the season, and that place was unbelievable. It’ll only be my second home game, so I’m really looking forward to it.
“I know the fans won’t disappoint because they’re amazing. They were brilliant when we were away at Cheltenham as well, so I’m looking forward to it.”
You can watch Josh Andrews’ pre-match presser here:
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