Bennett Steps Up Recovery Bid

Julian Bennett’s recovery from his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament has been stepped up with him now back running again, which he has been for the past few weeks, as he looks to come back from injury before the season ends.

Spending time in the gym is fine but Bennett told the official website that it’s not the same as getting back out on the grass and running again.

Not only does this mean you’re closer to a return it also means that you feel more a part of the squad as you are out with them while they are taking part in full training. He’s still some way from a return but knows he’s getting there and hopes to be back involved in time for the final League 2 promotion push.

‘Obviously you’re not involved in that yet, but you know you’re getting close to the goal of being fit and available for selection again, which gives you hope.

‘The lease of life you get pushes you on. I’ve been working as hard as possible but I know there’s still some way to go so it`s just about doing everything possible at this stage.

‘It would be great to play some part in the season, whether that is the last few games or the play-offs if that’s where we end up, but it’s all about how things go over the next few weeks.’

Promotion can be as much in the mind and how much spirit there is among the squad as it is what happens on the pitch and this spirit and desire to win was something that Bennett says he could sense from the minute he linked up with the squad in Madrid for pre season last summer and hasn’t seen this diminish since.

Bennett was unlucky with his injury so soon into his Southend career, in just his second game for us I think, but if he could get back before the end of the season he’ll be another body that can help make promotion a reality.

If he’ll be a part of our squad next season though I’m not sure as this latest serious injury, and he’s had plenty of them, might be one too many but hopefully not and he’ll make a full and complete recovery to prove to Phil Brown that he would be an asset in the long term.