A footballer who was told he may never play again has returned to the pitch.

Lizzie Parry

HE was told by doctors he may never play football again.

But one year after he suffered an horrific injury on the pitch, Michael Lewis is back scoring goals, notching a hat-trick in his first game.

The 26-year-old was playing for Woodbridge Athletic when he collided with the goalkeeper from opponents Capel Plough during a match on March 14 last year.

He fractured his leg, suffering an open wound as the bone pierced through the skin. His left ankle and shinbone were also broken and he dislocated his ankle.

Speaking at the time, Mr Lewis remembered: “The pain was immense. I remember writhing around on the floor in pain.”

It has been a long road to recovery for the centre-forward, who also plays for Hadleigh Goldstar Athletic. But his hard work, hours of physiotherapy, and fitness training have all paid off.

Yesterday he took to the field for Hadleigh, scoring and helping them to a 7-2 victory against Trimley Rangers.

Mr Lewis said: “I have had a lot of good support from both clubs. I have had to be a bit careful and I am trying not to rush myself.

“It was quite a nasty injury so I have been cautious not trying too hard to get back too quickly.

“I am a bit rusty and a little unfit but it feels great to be playing again. But it's been pretty good - I have scored a few goals. I do love playing football so it has been brilliant getting back out there.

“I am not a brilliant spectator, it was so frustrating from that point of view. It was a big relief to finally be able to get off the sidelines and on the pitch.”

Mr Lewis, who lives in Rapier Street, Ipswich, and works for the insurance company Churchill, said he has received a huge amount of support from both his teams and other teams he plays against.

He added: “Both the teams I play for held a Poker night and with the proceeds they bought me a signed Liverpool shirt.

“Other teams - Grundisburgh and Capel Plough - have raised money for me too. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone - they have all been brilliant.”