Goalscoring machine Abbott given all-clear to make comeback - EXCLUSIVE

Sunday 30th December 2007

Legendary goalscoring machine Gary Abbott has pencilled in a dramatic return to playing, despite fearing that he may never play again due to a serious neck injury, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 42-year-old, now managing Ryman League Division One South outfit Sittingbourne, has been given the all-clear by Doctors and has pencilled in his come-back for the end of February.

But back in November, Abbott, who scored 557 career goals during a glittering 1,270 game career, spanning 25-years, was facing hanging up his golden boots for good.

Abbott, who had two discs out of his neck before having them replaced, said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk in November: “I’ve got it in my head that I’m not going to play no more, but this management job (at Sittingbourne) has come at a good time.”

But speaking after his side’s 1-1 draw against fellow Kent side Ashford Town at Bourne Park yesterday, where his side were reduced to ten-men after 61 minutes as Tunisian Sabeur Trebelsi saw red, Abbott revealed some good news.

“We’re probably two or three players away from being a good side,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Everybody knows we need a forward and I can’t come back until the end of February so perhaps we have to hold out until then.

“I’ve been told by the hospital that I can actually play after February.

“I’m looking forward to that but in the meantime if I can get a big striker in and he does well perhaps I may not do it but we’ll see how it goes.”

Abbott, however, did win the race to sign former Weymouth defender Bryan Glover.

The Bexley-born 19-year-old didn't feature during Maidstone United's impressive 2-1 win at Horsham before Christmas - so Abbott swooped.

However, due to transfer rules, Glover wasn’t allowed to play for Sittingbourne against Ashford Town yesterday, but is expected to make his debut for the Brickies’ visit to Burgess Hill Town next weekend.

“I actually signed him first and then Maidstone said we’ll give him a contract so obviously he’s going to take a contact, you don’t blame him,” Abbott explained.

“He went there, he didn’t play, wasn’t happy he was on the bench, didn’t come on.

“He’s a quality player, he’s played in the Conference for Weymouth, he’s been at Fisher so to come down here he should fit in lovely and he’s available for next Saturday.”

Sittingbourne have used EIGHT goalkeepers during their 30 games so far this season – and Abbott is expected to sign another one soon.

Danny Eason, 19, previously with Ashford Town’s reserves, was handed his third start by Abbott against his former club yesterday.

Josh Willis (8 games), Steve Williams (6), Jamie Riley (8), Travis Glen (1), Bradley Ashmore (1), Tim Trebes (1) and Chris Lewington (2) have all appeared in goal for the club’s first team this season.

But current first choice Lewington was recalled by Blue Square South club Fisher Athletic to play in their 2-1 win at Bromley yesterday due to their number one being ill.

“I got a phone call from Chris at 9:30 Saturday morning saying that the Fisher keeper was ill,” explained Abbott.

Abbott admitted Eason’s stint as Sittingbourne’s number one is a short one.

He explained: “Danny did alright on Boxing Day, didn’t do anything wrong, but he knows as much as me, he’s got to sort out his kicking.

“He done it three or four times against Whitstable, he’s done it three or four times today (against Ashford) but we’ve got away with it.

“A better side we’re not going to get away with that so hopefully Chris will be with us next Saturday.

“Chris will be our number one until I can actually get a number one in.

“The budget’s not the best here, if I can get players in on loan, then I’ll get players in on loan.

“Chris gets paid from Fisher and its nice that Fisher help us out. I know Wayne (Fisher Athletic manager Wayne Burnett) for a long time down there so he’s trying his best to help us out.”

With his side now four games unbeaten, Abbott wants to collect all three points at midtable outfit Burgess Hill Town next Saturday.

“That’s going to be a tough game,” he warned. “But we’re four games unbeaten now, which is good.

“We’ve got to keep that run going, try not to get beat.

“We’ll go over there to be as solid as we can and I want to go there for three points – every game’s tough in this league.”

He added: “The boys should have a lot of confidence now. We’re four games unbeaten and we’ve scored two late goals (against) Worthing and Ashford so my boys go all the way to the final whistle.”

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