WELCOME: Stags fans in full celebration as star finally returns to One Call Stadium 

Emotions run high as Mansfield Town defender Alfie Kilgour returns from 14-month injury nightmare

After almost 14 torturous months out injured, the raw emotions were on full display on Saturday as giant Mansfield Town defender Alfie Kilgour finally made his comeback.

Kilgour was given a deafening reception from supporters for his late cameo role up front and has vowed to repay them by giving his all for the shirt once more.

The January 2023 signing from Bristol Rovers had looked a rock in defence until he went down with no one near him at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday, 15th August 2023 and was found to have ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Kilgour said the long road back had been hard and dark at times, so it was no surprise how emotional his return to action was on Saturday as he helped Stags see out a 2-0 home win over Blackpool to make it five wins in a row and stay third in League One.

Saturday was a very special day for me – 418 days it had been since I last ran on a football pitch at Doncaster,” he said.

It came a bit unexpectedly. I trained on Friday and, with us having a few injuries, the gaffer pulled me and asked how I was.

“I said I was good and he told me I would be in the squad and on the bench. So to get a little five minute cameo was a great moment.

“I got an absolutely unbelievable reception from the fans. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

To have to wait so long for that connection with the fans has been heartbreaking for me.

“My old man was in the stand too so it was probably very emotional for him as I have had a supportive family and it’s been a long road.

“When things are going well, they’re going well for everyone – but when they’re not, everyone suffers.

Saturday was a perfect occasion and a perfect day with a full house and three points for the lads, who are flying in the table, topped off by me getting on the pitch.”

He added: “I knew firstly there was a job to do. I was told I was going on up front and to run around and get stuck in.

“I had a feeling of calmness and peace and I was also quite emotional.

I have had quite a few dark times, there in the gym by myself, and suffering pain and being told by surgeons I might not get back to where I was.

“So to finally run out onto a pitch in a Mansfield Town kit for League One football was all I had dreamt of. To be back doing that is amazing.

“I’m glad it’s out the way now with that emotion and I now want to do a job and be back among the battle.”