Experienced First Team forward Marcus Marshall joined this summer but fell foul to injury before a ball was kicked in pre-season and had to wait until 26th August to make his Red Badger debut. A week later Marshall started his first game and scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 home win over Sleaford Town. Marshy scored five times assisting once in the ten starts that followed before once again being forced to sit out due to injury. Joint boss Martin Ball added :

“Unfortunately Marshy's scan results have come back and they are worse than first feared. He is going to require an op to repair both his ACL and his MCL which is a huge set-back for both him and us as a squad. Everybody knows the quality that Marshy brings on the football pitch and thats one of the reasons we brought him into the club in the summer. He was a huge part of what we wanted in the dressing room. When the results came through DT and myself had a chat and agreed he has so much to offer off the pitch as well as all of the reasons we originally brought him in and decided we would like to have him as part of our coaching staff.”

“We have both known Marshy for a very long time both inside and away from football, and he fits perfectly with Sax, Cokey & Swifty that we already have as part of a very good backroom staff. The lads respect him already, and we trust him, which is another huge thing for me and DT when bringing anyone into our team. He is obviously very knowledgeable about the game having played professionally and at the highest level of non league consistently, and will be a good mentor for the promising youngsters we have coming through to the first team. “

“I have also been through a ACL reconstruction myself and I found one of the hardest things with recovery was the mental side. It can be very lonely and frustrating not feeling part of the group and we want to ensure Marshy doesn't feel the same way I did and potentially suffer mentally from this set back. Hopefully keeping Marshy around the lads in this role, and engaged with the coaching side will help him get back on the field playing sooner rather than later. He really is the perfect fit to our team and will go on to be a very good coach and mentor and play a huge part in any success we have moving forward. Welcome to other side Marshy!”

The club hold Marcus in very high regard and are great full for the opportunity Thomas & Ball have given him whilst also recognising the value the 34-year-old can bring to the position.

Marshall hasn’t ruled out making a return on the field, whilst we wait to see him back at Coronation Park everyone connected with the club would like to wish him the best in his recovery.

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