Sheppey United striker Dan Bradshaw set to return from knee injury before likely retirement

Sheppey United hope to get record goalscorer Dan Bradshaw back involved for what could be the final few matches of his career.

Striker Bradshaw, who hasn’t played for the Ites since the turn of the year, is set to be on the bench at Eastbourne Town on Saturday (3pm) after recovering from a knee injury.

The 35-year-old was talked out of retirement last summer by then-manager Kevin Watson but maintains this will be his final campaign.

“He says that every year. I think he’s been saying that since he was 21 but he keeps going,” said joint-boss Ian Batten, who has urged Bradshaw to think carefully.

“He’s adamant this is his last one. He says he just wants to go out and enjoy watching football now.

“But you’re a long time retired and I did tell him that.

“It’s great thinking it’ll be nice to have a break and be able to watch it but you soon want to get back into it.

“When you’re watching it, you think ‘I’d like to be out there’ but he’ll have to see that for himself.

“There’s no feeling like sticking the ball in the onion bag, is there?

“He’s expressed a bit of interest in doing some coaching, so if me and George (Batten, Ian’s brother and joint-manager) stay on, there might be a possibility we can get him in with us.”

Bradshaw’s knee flared up after a couple of outings for Sheppey Sports at Step 6, delaying his comeback, but all seems fine for the trip to Eastbourne.

“He had a bit of pain but it’s eased up, so hopefully we’ll get him in the squad for Saturday,” said Batten.

“It might be a bit soon to start but if we can get him on the bench and drip-feed him in, we hope to give him a couple of starts before the end of the season.”

Sheppey are also set to welcome back defender Lex Allan this weekend.

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