Josh Ginnelly | There are times you feel you have lost everything, I have so many people to thank

Josh Ginnelly lifted the lid on the toughest period of his career to date after he made his return from an Achilles injury for Swansea City after more than 15 months on the sidelines.

The winger was introduced as a late substitute in the Emirates FA Cup third-round defeat at Southampton on Sunday, marking his first outing since rupturing his Achilles in the first half of a victory over Sheffield Wednesday in September 2023.

There have been numerous setbacks along the way which have tested the forward’s resolve, and he was keen to thank everyone at the club who has provided him with support during some dark days.

But now he is eager to make up for lost time, even though he knows there is still plenty of work ahead.

“I cannot explain how it felt to be back on the pitch,” said Ginnelly.

“I have been through a lot and I have a lot of people to thank for getting me here.

“I owe a lot of people a very big thank you, especially Beth (Bethany Chaddock) and Binnsy (Lewis Binns) in the medical team, the boys in the kitchen, the kitmen Shaun and Mike. Everybody, really.

“The support I have had has been massive because it has tough.

“There are times you feel you have lost everything. There are more lows than highs in football, and when you are injured that’s multiplied by 10.

“It was a case of back to the drawing board a few times, and having to work through things and try doing them a little bit differently. Like I say, I have so many people to thank. I am buzzing.

“You look back at the times when I couldn’t even shower, or go for a walk outside. It makes you grateful for the little things.

“I have a lot of work still to do, but ultimately I want to get back in the team.”

Such has been the length of Ginnelly’s absence, his appearance at St Mary’s was also his first under head coach Luke Williams.

But the former Hearts player revealed how watching the onfield identity the Swans boss is looking to build was a key motivation in his perseverance.

“When the gaffer came in it was still early on, I still couldn’t really walk at that point, but I have used it as motivation seeing the boys go through the gears with him and his staff,” added Ginnelly.

“I have seen the steps we have taken to where we are now and it’s been exciting. 

“I have seen the boys go through so many sessions, I have been at most of the games and seen how we want to play and I think it’s perfect for me.”