Josh Woods signed a new one-year deal with Accrington Stanley last week and now wants to show everyone what he can do.
The 23-year-old came to Stanley in July 2021 from non-league, playing three games in the first season and 15 games last season – scoring his only goal in the 4-4 draw with Burton Albion.
He struggled with a back injury all last season, eventually needing an operation, and had to prove himself this summer before he was offered a new deal.
He hasn’t featured in the first two games but is now hoping he can make an impression on the first team.
"It’s great to get the contract and all summer I was working hard," said Woods.
"I hit the ground running last season, I knew I was going to be tunnel vision, looking straight ahead, and getting the injury killed me off.
"Last year, I woke up one day and had a sore back but I kept playing through it as I was around the first team.
"I was only making it worse and I went for a scan and it came back as a slipped disc. I tried playing on and had two injections in the season.
"The first one worked, the second one didn’t and the only way to make it better was an operation.
"It was mentally tough. I tried my best to be around the first team but I was killing myself.
"Being injured, I didn’t know if I would get a contract, but I was determined and made it my mission to get fit and that’s what I have done.
"I am happy now to get it sorted and being on the mend to getting my fitness back."
He continued: "The fans are amazing, messaging me and giving me support, so I owe it to them and myself to get back fit and show what I can do.
"They have seen what I have got but they haven’t seen the best of me yet. Hopefully this is the end of all my injuries.
"It has been a rollercoaster, I have learnt that in two years of playing, but I want to be even better now.
"I am excited. Once I get a chance, I have to take it."
The full interview video with Josh Woods is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!