JAY Nash says he has rarely felt more confident after battling back from a horror injury to return to fitness.

The striker moved from Great Wakering Rovers to Bowers & Pitsea in October but 15 minutes into his first appearance, disaster struck.

Nash came off second best in a challenge and sustained a dislocated ankle, ending his season.

Bowers went on to have an excellent season in the Ryman North, finishing sixth in their first ever season at the level.

And Nash is excited at the challenge ahead.

“It was so frustrating,” he said. “I had only played 15 minutes for my new club and my season was over.

“But I was determined to come back stronger and worked tirelessly.

“My other half is a physiotherapist so I worked alongside her and the Bowers physio and we devised a rehabilitation plan to get it back to strength and then it was a case of cracking on.

“The trouble is I was so keen to get back I pushed it too hard too early and niggled it.

“I took some time off completely, got back to fitness and was put out for a game with Leigh Ramblers in January.

“But 15 minutes into that I ripped my stomach muscles.”

Nash spent another fortnight working on his stomach injury before linking back up with Bowers and taking part in light training.

He didn’t play a part in the closing weeks, but he said it was for the best as Bowers pushed for a play-off finish.

“It was too deep into the season to take a risk,” he said.

“Bowers were challenging for play-offs and I spoke with Smallsy (Bowers boss Rob Small) and I understood his point of view.

“But I am ready now. The treatment is still ongoing, but I probably will be all season.”

Nash added he could be working with the Bowers boys in his gym next season, having worked hard on his own fitness.

The 24-year-old runs Specifix Studio, in Leigh with fellow non-league footballer Jacob Cleaver.

And he is looking forward to the next season, where he is keen to play a crucial role for Bowers after the departure of last season’s top scorer Brad Warner, to East Thurrock United.

“Confidence is a big thing for me and it is right up there at the moment,” he said.

“I will be helping Smallsy out with the use of the studio, getting the boys in where and when they need it.

“I set myself a target before pre-season to really get into some good shape and show Smallsy what I am made of.

“I am in the best shape I have been in for a while.

Chris Sutherby( Leigh Ramblers manager) really helped out. He let me play when and where I needed and that helped a lot and gave me the confidence to use my left foot again.

“Brad is a great player and has roots at this club,” he added.

“They are big boots to fill but it is an opportunity and I want to do the best I can. I want to replicate what he has done.

“It is a tough league and there are ridiculous teams in there but we can give it a good go.

“We are looking forward to it and I feel good and confident.”