Joel Pilkington’s Ramsbottom United return cruelly cut short

Pic: Ramsbottom United FC

JOEL PIKINGTON’S Ramsbottom United return received a major blow after he picked up an injury in the club’s first pre-season friendly on Saturday.

A firm favourite with Rams supporters, Pilkington played 235 for the Evo-Stik NPL Division One North side before retiring in November 2014.

After 18 months out of football, the midfielder returned for pre-season at his former club in hope of resuming his career at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

However, he lasted less than 20 minutes in Ramsbottom’s first friendly on Saturday, a 3-2 win over North West Counties League side Nelson.

Pilkington was stretchered off with what proved to be a nasty Achilles injury but joint-manager Paul Fildes says the club won’t rule out him joining once he has returned to action.

“We were looking to sign Joel this week, so how ironic is the injury,” he said. “However, having spoken with him, he’s desperately keen to come back, so we’ll monitor him throughout the next few months.”

Pilkington added: “It was cruel, especially after I was keen to return to playing. Ramsbottom was probably the only club I would have come back for, and I enjoyed training and felt good being back on the pitch.

“The injury took place as I was about to set off running, and it was just one of those things. Apart from a broken wrist, I’ve never suffered another injury playing football.

“The surgeon reckons it could take about three months to recover, but I’m hopeful that when it does, I’ll be able to sign for the Rams again.”