Joy for Ross County winger at finally making comeback
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The result may not have gone Ross County’s way last weekend against Dundee United, but it was a special moment for one of their ranks.
Josh Sims made his long-awaited return to football after a full year out of action as a second half substitute.
He showed flashes of quality, with his pace and direct running clearly causing issues in United’s defence.
The visitors may have been able to turn the scoreboard around in Dingwall, but there would have been a part of Sims that was just relieved to be back playing after 12 months of Covid, heart scares and ulcerative colitis.
“I waited right until the end of the season, but it was nice to get out here,” he explained.
“I was just excited. It’s been a long time since I’ve been out there, so I just wanted to enjoy it, and that’s what I did.
“It was May last year since I last played, so it was pretty much the end of last season to the end of this season.
“10 minutes in I was feeling it, but I managed to get a second wind and I didn’t actually feel too bad by the end.”
Even after signing for the Staggies, Sims had been waiting a while to make his debut.
At the time, both he and manager Malky Mackay were realistic that he was more likely to have an impact next season by the time he caught up to the fitness level required.
Having hit that first milestone, then, Sims can focus on what he wants to achieve next season when hopefully back at 100 per cent.
“When I signed in February, we were thinking that if I got on the pitch it would be a bonus,” he said.
“It was more about really focusing on pre-season and getting ready for the start of next season, and I’ll obviously be raring to go.
“I want to show everyone what I can do and get back playing regular football.
“I want to get goals and assists the way I was a couple of years ago, and I just want to enjoy it. When you enjoy it, you play well normally, so that’s the main thing.”
There is still uncertainty over what County’s squad will look like next season. Six loan players have already returned to their parent clubs, with a handful more out of contract with no decisions on their futures as yet.
Sims is as keen to see what happens as the fans, but so far his experience in Dingwall has been good.
“The lads have been brilliant,” Sims added.
“You’re always going to get playing coming in or going at the start of the season. It’s one of those, but I’ll be looking forward to seeing who’s here at the start of next season.”
