Alex Kirk said he is really happy after signing a new one-year contract as he looks ahead to returning from a long-term injury and making an impact next season.
After a frustrating campaign spent on the sidelines, the defender admitted the past year has been one of the toughest of his career – but is now focused firmly on the future.
“It’s great, especially given the circumstances,” he said. “To have that trust from the management and that faith in me to come back next season means a lot.”
“There’s been a lot of uncertainty over the last year, and obviously I haven’t played at all this season. So to get this sorted and be able to push on next year is really positive.”
The 2025/26 season has largely been defined by a serious back injury sustained away at Gateshead in February 2025, with Kirk approaching around 18 months out by the time he returns to action.
“It’s been difficult, but now it’s about drawing a line under it. Injuries are part and parcel of football, even if you never want one this long.”
“It’s not something I’ll look back on positively – it’s been a tough year – but now it’s about moving forward and hopefully having better times next season.”
“I’m feeling good at the minute. Since getting the news that everything’s alright, I’ve just been building up slowly.”
“I’m probably the only person who doesn’t want a summer holiday – I just want to get back to it.”
The plan is to return fully for pre-season, rather than risk an early comeback, and having watched the campaign unfold from the stands, he admits the time away has only increased his desire to return.
“Hopefully I’ll be back for the start of pre-season and be involved as normal,” he said. “I could maybe have come back towards the end of this season if it was extended, but there’s no point risking it after being out so long.
“It’s about getting it 100 per cent right and then pushing forward.”
“When you’re in it, you appreciate it, but you don’t fully realise what you’ve got. “Watching every game as a fan, you understand how much you want to be involved.
“I’ve not been involved at all, and that’s been tough. It just makes me more excited to get back.”
“The focus is just staying fit and getting back playing. Anything after that is a bonus.
“When you’re playing, you’ve got targets and goals, but right now it’s just about getting through training, then games, and enjoying it again.”
Kirk also spoke positively about Chris Agutter’s influence, despite not yet having played under him, and looks ahead to his opportunity to prove that his style suits the Head Coach’s approach.
“He’s never really seen me play, so it’s a bit of a unique situation,” he said. “But to still get a contract shows faith.
“Since he’s come in, tactically we look really well set up. You can see where things are going, and it feels like we’re on a journey.
“It’s about staying on that path and hopefully I can prove myself to him.”
“I’d like to think I’ll fit in well. Obviously I might be a bit rusty at first, but from watching how he wants to play, it suits me.
“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster season, but a good pre-season will put everyone in a much better position for next year.”
