Josh March 'upset' that Harrogate Town spell has been ended prematurely by knee injury

So much was he enjoying playing regularly and scoring goals for Harrogate Town, Josh March admits that he was left "overwhelmed and upset" when he discovered that his time at the club was over.
Josh March in action for Harrogate Town against Scunthorpe United. Pictures: Matt KirkhamJosh March in action for Harrogate Town against Scunthorpe United. Pictures: Matt Kirkham
Josh March in action for Harrogate Town against Scunthorpe United. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

The 23-year-old, who arrived at Wetherby Road on loan from Forest Green Rovers in early January, will not play again this term after injuring his knee during last week's 3-0 success over Colchester United.

A collision with U's goalkeeper Shamal George led to March damaging both the medial collateral ligament and cartilage inside his right knee and will keep him out of action for at least 10 weeks.

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With the 2020/21 regular season scheduled to draw to a close on May 8 and his Town deal set to expire at the end of the campaign, the pacy forward has returned to his parent club to begin his rehabilitation.

Josh March celebrates after finding the net against Newport County.Josh March celebrates after finding the net against Newport County.
Josh March celebrates after finding the net against Newport County.

"I was a bit overwhelmed and a bit upset when I found out how much damage I'd done," March said.

"I've never had a ligament injury before. I've only ever really had niggly ones, this is the first proper injury I've had.

"I'm just gutted. It's so frustrating because I was really enjoying playing for Harrogate. I'd come into a new team and I felt like I was playing well. I was contributing with goals and assists and I was happy with my performances.

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"Confidence is massive in football and I think that it helped that I hit the ground running.I'm thankful that the gaffer [Simon Weaver] and Thirs [Paul Thirlwell] had faith in me and gave me the chance. I'm pleased that I was able to repay them.

"I can't speak highly enough of Harrogate Town All the players, everyone at the club has been brilliant with me and made me feel so welcome. I definitely enjoyed my time there."

March initially tried to play on having gone down and received some treatment following his collision with Colchester custodian George.

But, it soon became apparent to him that he had done some serious damage to his knee.

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"It felt a bit weird when I collided with their keeper, I just felt my leg go," he added.

"The way that I play, I draw contact from defenders all the time. I'm used to that and I know what an impact injury feels like. This was different.

"It was painful at first, but I said to Rach [Davis - physio] 'I'll be alright, I can carry on'. I tried for a couple of minutes but I knew something was wrong.

"I could feel fluid inside my knee, then it started to feel a bit numb. I knew that it wasn't good, but I was just hopeful that it wouldn't be anything too serious.

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"So, when we got the results back from the scan, I was really gutted."

March is currently at home resting, but has received one bit of good news with regards to his knee.

"Obviously this season is a write-off now, but I've seen a consultant and the one bit of good news is that I don't need surgery.

"I didn't really want to have any, so I'm quite happy about that.

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"Harrogate were bang on with how they looked after me. Rach was great with me and I'm really thankful for everything they did on the medical side.

"But, I was keeping Forest Green's physios updated on my progress and now I'll be doing my rehab back there with them."

March scored five times in 14 Town appearances, 10 of which were starts.