Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Liam Ormsby is back playing after a year out
New Garforth Town midfielder Liam Ormsby wants to reattain the performance levels he reached before his bad ankle break.
Ormsby, the son of Leeds United legend Brendan, has spoken on the first anniversary of the incident, which happened whilst he was playing for Scarborough Athletic in an Emirates FA Cup tie at Tadcaster Albion.
Apart from a brief stint as the assistant manager at Harrogate Railway in the middle of last season, Ormsby has been out of the game until signing for Garforth last week.
He has since made two substitute appearances for them. Although very determined to re-claim his best form, Ormsby admits returning to action has been mentally tough – and he even questioned whether he would return to part-time football.
“It is a bit nervous going back on the pitch in general, Ormsby told Non League Yorkshire.
“I never thought I would have that feeling, but it is more a nervous feeling, nothing to do with tackling.
“It is just ‘can I play again and get back to the level I was at when I was fit’?
“At Scarborough I thought I was playing well and it is about wanting to prove to people that when I come back properly that I’m as good as I was before I got injured.
“The anniversary did play on my mind. I woke up this morning, had a chat with the wife and she said ‘are you sure you’ll be alright’? I just said I’m just glad to be back.
“There has been a lot going outside of football so I have not really known if I was going to come back (to football), being totally honest.
“When you are out of it you analyse things. I’ve got married and I was on honeymoon for three weeks in the summer.
“Outside influences have made me evaluate everything. In terms of fitness, I have been going to the gym and strengthening my ankle, but it is not the same as playing in a match.
“The Penistone game was probably the first time I have kicked a football in eight months. It will probably take me five or six games to get my fitness and sharpness.”
Liam Ormsby has re-signed for Garforth Town
Leeds United legend Brendan Ormsby played for Garforth Town in the 1990s
Ormsby had a brief stint as the assistant manager at Harrogate Railway. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Liam Ormsby scores from the penalty spot. Picture: Ian Parker
Ormsby has played for Garforth before, at the very beginning of his semi-professional career in 2009.
Spells with Pontefract Collieries, Albion Sports and Tadcaster Albion quickly established him as one of the best centre-midfielders in the NCEL. With Tadcaster he won the Premier Division title.
Now back with Garforth, Ormsby says the response to his return has been “overwhelming”.
“I had a lot of options in the summer and I took my time over deciding where or if I was going to play,” he said.
“I think I have made the right decision. I think the management and the lads have the right mentality and I wanted to make sure I came to somewhere where I could play a part.
“It is local and it is the right place. I’ve wanted to come back to Garforth for a long time
“When I’ve been down to charity games or with other teams, I always have a good chat with (chairman) Brian (Close) and it is such a good club to be a part of.
“I’ve always said that I’d come back and everyone has welcomed me with open arms.
“The reaction has been beautiful and overwhelming. The words people have been saying have been really nice.
“I read the gaffer’s (Rob Hunter) interview and read the kind things he said about me. They rate me highly and I’m happy to be here.”
Another reason for signing for Garforth was his father Brendan, who is much-loved by many at Garforth because he played for the club in the 1990s.
Brendan was given a tremendous reception when he was present to watch his son feature in the 1-1 draw with Hemsworth Miners Welfare.
So Ormsby jnr is pleased to have found a club where his father can enjoy visiting.
“It was nice for him to be able to come and watch me again,” he said.
“Another big draw for me to sign for Garforth was that it is only ten minutes from his house.
“He also knows a lot of people here because he was here for years and with the stand where he can sit in comfort, Garforth is perfect for him.”