Tracey had doubts over career during year out with injury
· Yahoo Sports
Fit-again Crewe Alexandra striker Shilow Tracey said he had concerns about whether he would play again during his year-long recovery from a broken leg.
Tracey, 27, made his first appearance for the Alex since 4 March 2025 when he came off the bench in the 84th minute of Saturday's 3-2 loss at Grimsby Town.
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"I'm buzzing to be back. It's been a long time. I had to work hard to get this far and I'm pleased, I can't wait to get going," Tracey told BBC Radio Stoke.
"I had a few doubts along the way, of course, I had two operations. The first one didn't go great, but when I found out I had to get a second op, I was a bit doubtful, but I just took it on the chin and just worked hard."
Tracey has scored nine goals in 77 appearances for Crewe since signing from Cambridge United in June 2023.
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He will now target Crewe's remaining League Two games at home to MK Dons on Saturday, away at Chesterfield a week later, and the visit of old club Cambridge on the final day, 2 May, to build his match fitness.
With the Alex still in with a chance of making the play-offs, only three points behind Chesterfield in seventh, there is the prospect of more game time for Tracey.
He said having other injured players like Joel Tabiner and Jack Lankester working on their rehabilitation at the same time helped keep his spirits up while he was out.
"I'm grateful for everyone involved behind the scenes that looked after me along the way and encouraged me, kept pushing," he said.
"It's hard when you're by yourself in a treatment room, but I had Tabs and Lanks and a few others that were just driving me and I'm just pushing them as well, so you just need that bit of motivation sometimes.
"I've been praying a lot to get to this moment and I can't really explain the feeling, but I'm just glad to be back out there.
"There's still a long way to go but I just got to build my confidence, keep training, keep working hard off the pitch and on the pitch."