Bryant’s Mossley return beckons

Non-league football: MOSSLEY front man Mitchell Bryant is almost ready to return to action.

Bryant was slapped with a huge suspension last October, when the FA banned him from all football until July 15 this year following an altercation between the player and the referee.

After serving the suspension, Lilywhites’ joint-manager Peter Band is delighted and relieved: “We’ve really missed Mitch, but to be honest he has been great during his time away.

“After we decided to ditch an appeal against his ban in December, he’s kept himself fit and always joined us for training whenever he could. He’s almost back in business again.

“Our first friendly is against Stalybridge on July 14 so he can’t play in that, but he’ll be ready for the match at Congleton on the 16th.”

Mossley hasn’t confirmed any new signings, but six or seven potential fresh faces have been invited for pre-season training. James Blair, Charlie Anderson and Tom Pratt have all said they will return.

But the Lilywhites will miss midfielder Arron Hevingham (27), who has been forced to retire from

football. One of last season’s stars, Hevingham had an existing ankle injury that kept him out for a

couple of years before he linked up at Seel Park last August. He had a steroid injection to help him to get through last season, but by late March its effect had worn off. Late-season games were painful and doctors say there is nothing they can now do that won’t cause further problems.

Former Altrincham and Flixton schemer Hevingham said: “I really enjoyed last season and I would like to thank everyone at Mossley for the support throughout.”

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