Clachnacuddin defender helping Buckie Thistle striker return to action after two years out
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BUCKIE Thistle striker John McLeod has praised Clachnacuddin defender Sean Webb for helping him return to football after two-and-a-half years out of the game.
The 31-year-old hopes he can return to action for the Jags next season and play for the first time since 2017 with the help of the physiotherapist.
McLeod has had undergone three hip operations and various setbacks in his attempt to return to the game.
He says Webb has played a vital part in his recovery by giving him a fitness programme and hopes it will lead his return to the pitch next season.
“He’s been brilliant, a great help,” he said.
“We might play against each other next season and he realises that he might be faster than me.”'
Thurso man McLeod’s scored 47 goals for Buckie Thistle when they won the Highland League in 2017.
However, the striker has only played a handful of games since that title winning campaign.
In Jags’ title defence season, the effect of a persistent hip problem took its toll on McLeod.
He still netted 15 goals by November, the last one in a 4-1 home defeat to Nairn County on November 25, 2017, which is the last game he played.
Surgery on both hips, including two on the right side, has meant the road to recovery has been slow.
“Every time you felt you were getting somewhere, it was like you were hitting a brick wall and you were back to square one,” he said.
Mcleod was on his way to returning to action taking part in the warm-up for Buckie’s last home match in a 4-2 win against Huntly when the season was called to a halt due to the coronavirus.
He is confident he will be in good shape and ready to return to action when next season starts.
“I felt good doing that warm-up,” he said.
“It was sore after and the recovery was slow but I think it was getting to the stage where I was hoping to get on the bench, even if it was just minutes at the end.
“All that was stopped, but I’d like to think a pre-season would do me good, I’d like to do the first session and see how my recovery is.
“That’s definitely a good target for me.”
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