Josh Seberry is ready to put his injury frustrations behind him and has his sights set on regular game time for Newport County this season.
A broken right fibula injury sustained in October last year saw County’s centre-back’s 2023-24 campaign cut short.
However, he has stepped up his recovery by being re-integrated into team training in the opening week of pre-season and has revealed how much a relief it is to be back doing what he enjoys most.
“It’s been amazing to be back,” he said.
“To be back fully training again without any hesitation has been great. Coming into the summer it was tough because I couldn’t get back before the end of the season.
“The recovery to being back fit hasn’t been easy. After suffering the injury in October I was out for a big chunk of the season.
“I was just trying to rush myself back as quick as possible. Some days were good days, and some days were bad days. Thankfully, I’m over that now and can enjoy this season.
“Recovery wise I did lot of stints at St George’s Park over the summer. It allowed me to get the ankle back into shape and it feels like it’s all paying off now.
“My ankle has been fine so far. I’ve trained for a few days now and everything seems to be going positively. I’m just over the moon that I can enjoy my football again.”
Seberry returned to NP19 last week along with the rest of the squad and undertook a mixture of testing and tactical training.
And with the new arrival of lead coach, Nelson Jardim, as well as eight summer signings so far, the defender says that the camp has been in high spirits following the Exiles’ return to Spytty.
“The mood within the squad has been really good since everyone has returned,” added the Irishmen. There’s been a lot of smiles on faces and it feels like a fresh new start.
“It’s been a big transition with a lot of new players coming in, and a lot of players going out, but everyone has seemed to have jelled really well.
“There’s been significant improvements around the club and it seems to be a brand-new philosophy being implemented ahead of the new season.
“Having a lot of young players is good because I can sort of relate to them more than the experienced lads because we’re all roughly the same age. From what I’ve felt and seen so far, things are certainly on the up for the club.”
Seberry has been a huge hit for County after a successful pre-season trial earned a professional contract last summer.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a rapid rise after making 12 appearances for the Exiles, including a start against Premier League side Brentford in the Carabao Cup before his injury.
And with County’s first friendly on the horizon this weekend against Undy AFC, the defender is eager for the new campaign to arrive.
“I can’t wait for the new season. It’s a chance to really shine now and show everyone my full potential,” continued Seberry.
“With the new squad and the backroom staff in place, it’s a good place to be. My intentions are to get into the starting eleven each week.
“I think that’s up for grabs for everyone here if they put it in over pre-season. Looking at the squad, not one person is a weak link. They are all top, top players who will add a lot to club this season.”