Gaughan making progress
Alfie Gaughan was told to expect nine months on the sidelines after suffering a double leg break - but less than 12 weeks later the Holwell Sports player is clocking up the miles on his bike as he bids to get back to action as soon as possible.
The 19-year-old suffered the injury playing for Sports against Raunds in the United Counties League Premier Division on February 8.
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant Gaughan - part of the Mansfield Town Academy set-up at Brooksby Melton College - has been unable to have follow-up hospital appointments and physiotherapy aid.
However, he is determined to come out fitter and stronger and, with the aid of programmes by Melton-based personal trainer Pete Wakefield and support from the Stags physiotherapy team, the teenager has been training daily and cycling an average of 15 miles per day.
“It was horrible,” said Gaughan of the injury.
“I’d never broken a bone before.
“The first thing I said to doctors was ‘when can I get back playing’. When they said six-to-nine months I was gutted.”
To add insult to injury, the day after his leg break, Gaughan was due to undertake his Army entrance run as he planned a future in the forces.
That future may currently be on hold, but the youngster is making sure he can get back to his best as soon as possible.
“I want to be fully fit again as soon as possible,” he added.
“I’ve been given a programme to do to keep me fit. It’s mostly my upper half, weights, pull ups and press ups.
“But there are some lower body parts like squats and lunges.”
Holwell boss Neil Miller described the injury as the worst he had seen, but Gaughan is determined to be back on a pitch and playing for Sports again.
“Definitely, I love it there,” he said.
“It’s just the support and the people. It’s a really good family club.”