Defender delighted to return after six months out
-minute return to action of defender Joe McNerney was a significant boost.thOn an otherwise disappointing Easter Monday for Reds, which saw them go down 2-0 to Exeter City, the 79
The former Woking man made only his eighth appearance of the season, and first since the 3-2 home win over Leyton Orient in October, as a replacement for Jon Ashton.
“It’s great to have Joe back,” said manager Mark Yates afterwards. “Like Lanre Oyebanjo, Joe has been out for a lot of the season and he’s been desperate to return. He had 90 minutes against Portsmouth in a friendly a couple of weeks ago so Monday was another step forward. We’ve got another seven games and I’m sure Joe is keen to finish the season strongly.”
Joe is under contract for next season but he admitted his focus now is to try and get more minutes under his belt in the remaining weeks of the campaign.
He said: “I’ve not been much fun to be around in the last few months. Like Banj, I have never been out for this length of time and it’s extremely tough mentally as well as physically with the rehab work you have to do.
.”Bristol Rovers this Saturday“But I felt fine on Monday and hopefully I can get plenty of games between now and the end of the season. For me it almost feels like the season’s starting not nearly finished and I want to play in as many games as I can – hopefully starting at
.hereThe full interview with Joe, in which he also reveals plans for his luxuriant beard, is now available on Reds Player. To watch or subscribe and receive more exclusive content for £4.49 a month, click
