Buckley Town dealt injury blow as key player faces spell on sidelines
Buckley Town have had to be without one of their regular first-team players this season. (Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW)
Buckley Town defender Josh Allen is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing a full ACL reconstruction.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined since the start of April and has now undergone surgery for the serious knee injury.
Allen will begin the next stage of his rehabilitation, with his return to competitive football now some way off.
The defender made 31 appearances in all competitions for Buckley Town last season, registering one assist, and has made more than 100 appearances for the club since coming through the academy at Connah’s Quay.
His absence will be a blow to the Bucks, with Allen having established himself as an important member of the squad.
Buckley Town defender Josh Allen begins lengthy recovery
Dave Evans says Allen’s presence has been missed around the club since he was ruled out.
“Josh is a hugely valued member of our group, both as a player and as a person, and his presence around the dressing room and the club has been missed,” Evans said to the club’s social media channels.
“Everyone involved with Buckley Town – players, management, committee members, volunteers and supporters – wishes Josh all the very best with his rehabilitation.
“We’re all behind you, Josh, and we can’t wait to have you back around the place and, when the time is right, back out on the pitch wearing the Buckley shirt.”
Allen’s ACL reconstruction represents a significant step in his recovery, but he now faces a lengthy rehabilitation programme before he can contemplate a return to first-team action.
The defender’s experience will be missed by his team, who have made a mixed start to the Cymru North season.
Buckley Town sit 11th in Cymru North
Evans’ side head into their September 12 meeting with Rhyl 1879 looking to build on their most recent result, having beaten Penrhyncoch 5-0.
They currently sit 11th in the Cymru North table, with two wins, one draw and four defeats from their opening seven matches. Their other victory came against Guilsfield.
There has also been a change in management this summer, with Evans leaving league rivals Gresford Athletic to replace Asa Hamilton as manager.
But while Evans looks to guide his team up the table, the club will have to do so without Allen for the foreseeable future.
For the 25-year-old, the priority is now his rehabilitation as he begins the long road back from ACL surgery.
The Flintshire club will be hoping to see their long-serving defender back around the club as soon as possible, before eventually welcoming him back onto the pitch in the famous blue shirt.
