George Johnston is thrilled to be back in business after a successful comeback to League One action.
After missing all of last season with a knee injury sustained in the Whites’ opening warm-up game of the summer, Johnston made his return against Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup last week.
But the defender admitted nothing can match playing for points after gaining a start against Wrexham in Sunday’s 0-0 draw which saw him back on the League One stage for the first time since the end of April 2023.
“It was good to be back,” said Johnston. “In pre-season and the friendlies, I really enjoyed them. But there's nothing quite like competitive football and you can't replicate that. It’s something I’ve missed.
“Since my last competitive game - apart from mid-week in the cup - it was about 15 months, so to come back was an amazing feeling.
“It was a bit tough towards the end and I got a bit leggy but it's going to put me in good stead for the rest of the season and the games coming up.”
Johnston was quickly back in the groove with an outstanding display against the Welshmen as Wanderers extended their unbeaten start to the season.
The 25-year-old was disappointed not to collect maximum points but happy to play his part in securing a first clean sheet of the campaign in front of an incredible crowd of almost 26,000.
“First game back it was great to have the fans welcoming us out in the numbers they did,” Johnston added. “Hopefully that continues over the next few weeks and we can get three points more often.
“We were told it was the biggest attendance since the club’s Premier League days. That's something we've created. We've created an environment for these fans who want to come and watch us and want to come and cheers us on.
“Unfortunately, we didn't quite get the job done today but if they keep backing us throughout this season that will help us get over the line.
“It's not a bad start. We've not lost yet. You've got to take the positives and a clean sheet is the massive one and not losing again is another massive one and we can take that into Charlton away next week.”
Watch George’s full post-match interview on Wanderers TV and come and see him and goalkeeper Nathan Baxter in the club shop in Tuesday afternoon, with all the details HERE