Michael Flynn column

The lads couldn’t wait to start ripping into me again when I walked back in on Monday. I went in some new clothes but they reckoned I’d just been in the attic and dug out the ones I wore when I was 17 because they still fit me!

I hadn’t even got changed and they were giving me abuse about all the weight I’ve lost through being ill. But it was good to have a laugh again like that. You miss all the banter flying around and seeing all the boys and the gaffer was just great.

I did some light training first day but went on a long run on Tuesday to try and build up my stamina. The following morning I could hardly move! You don’t realise how much fitness you lose being out like that but my legs felt like it was the third day of pre-season because they were so stiff.

I’ve got to manage my weight carefully and got Nick the conditioner to do me a dietary sheet. I know what to eat but it’s good to have it spelled out in front of me. My appetite’s back and I’m putting on some weight again but I know I have to be careful not to overdo anything.

At least I feel part of it again and now I’m doing everything I can to get back fit and available for selection. It seems ages ago since I last played at Southend. It was a great win that night and I’m gutted I couldn’t kick on from there.

But I’m looking at the home game with Crawley next week as my target. It may be too soon but I’ll be going for it. I’d love to be able to say to the gaffer that I’m ready to be involved in the squad again.

I missed enough games last season injured and it’s horrible. This time has been nothing like that, being out for a month, although obviously I felt a lot worse.

It’s good news for the gaffer with a few of us coming back now. With Reidy, Luke Oliver, Dave Syers in contention now and then hopefully myself and Rammers, it will give him real competition for places again.