AFC Telford United defender Asa Charlton is relishing the chance to gain some much-needed match fitness while on loan at Midlands Alliance outfit Shifnal Town.
The 30-year-old missed the start of the Blue Square North season through suspension and has been struggling with a long standing hernia problem.
Charlton’s misery was further compounded when he dropped a beer barrel on his foot and breaking a toe.
But now Charlton is moving without pain and hopes that his time with Shifnal will help to propel him back into manager Rob Smith’s plans for this season.
“I wanted to go get some fitness,” said the former Mansfield Town man. “I haven’t trained at all other than by myself so I just wanted to get some games.
“It’s hard as it is at Telford without not playing.
Hernia
“My hernia is fine now and for the first time in a year I can run without pain.
“The broken toe didn’t help, but I could’ve played with it, it is the hernia that has been the problem.
“I’ve done a lot of work at Lilleshall by myself and I’m feeling good.
“I played for Shifnal before when I was 19 or 20, the ground is only ten minutes from my house so that’s convenient, and I know the manager and a few of the lads.
“The league was always quite physical back then but I think things have changed a lot now, a lot of the tackling has been cut back.”
Charlton made his Town debut on Tuesday night at Biddulph Victoria, a game they lost 5-2.
“The result wasn’t the best and I was a bit off the pace to be honest,” he added. “But I’m looking forward to this afternoon now (v Friar Lane & Epworth at home).
“My main aim is to get back into the Telford team, but it’s going to be hard, I know that. “I just have to sit tight and wait for my chance.”
Telford Wingback Simon Forsdick is on loan at BGB Southern League club Nuneaton.
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