Returning fans’ favourite Josh Scott has spoken of his delight at re-signing for Hayes & Yeading United.
Scott’s affiliation with Hayes began in 2003 and is still loved by the fans after his 25 goals in the 2008-2009 season fired the club to promotion into the Conference Premier.
His form earned him a move to League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge that summer and, after six years away, he returns as United’s all-time leading goalscorer.
“I’m really happy to be back here – somewhere that I know,” said Scott after making his comeback in Saturday’s goalless stalemate with Wealdstone.
“It was great when Tristan [Lewis] told me he wanted me. He’s a knowledgeable guy so it’s great to be working under him.”
Scott had a dream first season at the Daggers as the east London club gained promotion into League One.
His highlight came in the play-off semi-final against Morecambe, where he became the only player to score four goals in a Football League play-off fixture.
Despite the early success, a series of injuries curtailed Scott’s progress.
Hayes & Yeading v Wealdstone in pictures:
“I had a lot of things go wrong,” recalls Scott.
“After the promotion, I probably could have worked a bit harder. And then I got injured. I was also seriously ill with blood clots and was out for six months.
“When I came back I had a serious knee injury and then I went to Aldershot and broke my foot when I was doing well, so it’s been very stop start for the past four years.”
Notwithstanding the setbacks, Scott has been a proven goalscorer at every level he has played at and the striker revealed that he rejected offers from higher sides to return to the club where he started his career.
“I had a few bids from clubs in the Conference Premier, but they weren’t right for me,” he said.
“Right now, it’s good to be somewhere that I know I can get fit and get the confidence back. I know that I’m capable of playing well at this level, so if I can score goals again and help Hayes along the way then that’s a positive.”
Hayes & Yeading return to action this weekend when Bishop’s Stortford are the visitors to York Road.
