Spennymoor midfielder Jamie Chandler has set his sights on returning to action for the start of pre season next year following a successful operation on his ACL.

Chandler suffered the injury against Brackley Town in February during the 0-0 draw at The Brewery Field, with the midfielder undergoing surgery earlier this month.

Speaking to Moors TV, Chandler reflected on the severity of the injury and his desire to get back playing next year.

He said: “When I originally suffered the injury during the game a lot of people were wondering why I went down. I felt a twist and a click and it just didn’t feel right.

“It was one of them where it eased off shortly afterwards and I thought I could play on and give it a go, but I had to be honest with myself and the management team after trying to carry on for five minutes and admit that something wasn’t right.

“It was obviously frustrating given the performances of the team were picking up and I was hitting a good run of form, but it was one of those where I wanted to move on from it as soon as possible.

“During the lockdown I was able to get myself back into a good place physically through running and strength work, but it was around that time I was walking down some steps with my son when I felt it go again.

“At that point I knew that something wasn’t right and it would need sorting long term.

“When I first spoke to the surgeon he estimated I would be out for around 9-12 months, and when you hear that it obviously hits you like a ton of bricks.

“I’ve been really lucky in my career that I’ve never suffered any major injuries and stayed clear of time on the side lines, so to hear that was a devastating blow.

“Immediately after receiving the news I spoke to people at the club including the chairman, manager, Gavin Cogdon and Tony Wilson, and they were all saying that it’s possible to get back quicker depending on how well the rehab stage goes.

“I’m very fortunate to be at a club like this where the support network is absolutely fantastic.”

Club Physiotherapist Andrew Oates outlined when he hopes to see Chandler in a Spennymoor shirt again.

He said: “Jamie’s return to competitive football will be around eight months from this point following his surgery three weeks ago.

“He will probably be doing a lot of football related drills at the five to six month stage, but he won’t be at the point of getting back and playing until around May/June.”

The club will be checking in with Jamie on a regular basis as he begins his rehabilitation in the coming months.