When it came to players being considered for new deals at Chester FC towards the end of last season, Matty Hughes didn't know whether he would come into the equation.
The 27-year-old striker suffered what was a potentially career ending injury in October last year, fouled in the area against Hereford before hobbling off. It was only once he went for a scan did the full extent of the problem reveal itself, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that threatened his very future in the game.
At best it was a nine-month road ahead, lots of rehabilitation, physiotherapy and lonely hours in the gym before he could even think about lacing up his boots and striking a football again.
But a successful operation by Dr Kuntal Patel at the Spyre Fylde Coast Hospital ensured that Hughes was able to get back on track. He was finally signed off by Mr Patel before the season who confirmed that the ACL injury suffered was something that had been rectified and that Hughes, now in his third spell at Chester, could resume his football career.
He built his minutes up during pre-season, offered a non-contract deal until such time that the he proved his fitness and the club could bring him into the budget.
Hughes had stepped off the bench for the Blues already this season for a brief cameo, but on Saturday, ahead of the visit of Gloucester City, the former Fleetwood Town man was delivered the news he wasn't sure he would hear again nine months ago by bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley - he would be starting in a Chester shirt again.
Now, Chester fans know all about Matty Hughes and what Matty Hughes is capable of, it was more a case of could he replicate that form he has shown for the Blues in the past. And while there is still work to be done, Hughes has already put a big tick next to his first challenge, picking up man-of-the-match in a 4-0 win at the weekend, an all-action display that made it seem like he'd never been away.
And impressing in such a manner, in front of his family in the stands, a family who had been helped out by the generosity of fans , Chester and beyond, and the wider football community when Hughes had been unable to work in his labouring job owing to his injury, it was a special moment.
"This was the aim," said Hughes. "Nine months ago when I did it, it seems like a long time ago. It could have ended my career but I've just got my head down and worked hard and the gaffers have repaid me with a start.
"It was in the back of my mind towards the end of last season as to whether they would offer me anything but they have looked after me. My little girl and my Mrs was here today and I didn't expect to be starting so it was a nice surprise for them.
"It was my first start for a while, I felt like I was ready and to be fair I felt I should have probably score two, but it's better to have chances than not have chances so hopefully in the next game I'll tuck them away. I'm not too disappointed because of the result but if it was a closer game I probably would have beat myself up about it a bit, but it'll come.
"I was a bit nervous before the game, but I always get a bit nervous even if I'm on the bench. To get the two goals in quick succession like we did settled us down and made us play.
"But my injury and everything, it's all put to the back of my mind now and I've got no problems apart from the cramping, but that's because I've had nine months out. It was my first game back in nine months and I felt like I ran myself into the ground. I've just got to recover now and get ready for Saturday."
After the win on Saturday, Chester co-manager Johnson was asked when would the time come to put Hughes on a permanent deal. His answer? It will be happening and that the player would be staying put .
It was something that Hughes backed up, the striker wanting to remain part of a club where he has played his best football and enjoyed his happiest memories. He wants this season to finish with silverware being held aloft at the Deva Stadium.
"Me and the gaffers had a chat before the season started and they put me on non-contract to see how I was going in the games," explained Hughes, named in the Vanarama National League North Team of the Week after his display on Saturday.
"I've told them I don't want to go anywhere but here and they don't want me to go anywhere.
"It's a different group mixed with lads who are still here and who want to do better. We've had a good start and we're unbeaten, you can't expect much better. We're pushing to get up this season and we won't settle for anything less."
