Injured Banister says Hucknall Town can go up without him

Experienced midfielder Michael Banister says he is optimistic about Hucknall Town's title ambitions, despite his season-ending injury.
Michael Banister, whose season at Hucknall Town has been cut short by a broken leg. (PHOTO BY: Anne Shelley)Michael Banister, whose season at Hucknall Town has been cut short by a broken leg. (PHOTO BY: Anne Shelley)
Michael Banister, whose season at Hucknall Town has been cut short by a broken leg. (PHOTO BY: Anne Shelley)

Banister has been an integral part of Town’s success this term, featuring in 24 games, of which they have won 20.

The 33-year-old had his campaign cut short when sustaining a broken leg in the victory over Mickleover RBL last month. But he remains close with the squad and will be supporting them through Town’s Central Midlands League (CML) promotion charge.

“It’s going to be difficult because the top four are all capable of going up,” he said. “But we’ve just got to keep keep plugging away, even with scrappy wins. All the big games come in the last three games, so if we’re at the top by then, I think we’re capable of doing it.”

Banister feels the supporters can play a significant role in Town’s bid to finally get out of the CML under boss Andy Graves.

“It’s massively important for the club to have a great relationship with its fans,” he said. “You need the fans. They’ll get on your back when you lose, but so do fans of professional clubs.

“I have a good relationship with them, I’m a local boy and I know quite a few of them personally. It was nice to get sympathy and good wishes after my injury.”

Speaking about the injury, he said: “It was a tackle that didn’t need to be made. I got sold a bit short on a pass and I knew the tackle was coming. But I didn’t know it was going to be that high or that late. I’ve seen the pictures and the video. It was a straight red every day of the week.

“I’m now off work now for three months and only on statutory sick pay, which is a downer. But the club are helping the best they can. I’m 34 this year, but I’ll be back.”

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