I can't wait to get back out there and start watching games again and who knows one day I might even consider managing once again but for now I will be concentrating on getting back to full health, says Joe Ford

JOE FORD says he can’t wait to get back out there and start watching football matches again as he fights back from contracting sepsis in March 2019.

“Now that the dust has settled, I thought it would be the right time to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed in any way shape or form since I fell ill in March 2019," Ford said in a statement.

“When I first fell ill, the outlook was very bleak and I would be lying if I said that I felt anything other than sorry for myself. Yes, I had some dark days, however, the many messages of support and encouragement certainly changed my mindset and allowed me to view things in a different light.

“No longer was I afraid, no longer was I angry, no longer was I unlucky, but instead I was uplifted and reminded of how lucky I actually am to still be alive.

“From the hundreds of children I have the pleasure to coach weekly who have sent messages, to strangers I have never met - everyone has played a huge role in keeping me positive and even more determined to overcome this horrible period.

“Obviously, my recovery process is going to take time and lots of it but I can't stress of how much importance the many messages of encouragement have been to me, I have been truly blown away.

“The good news is I have been given a date now in which I will be transferred from hospital to a specialist rehab centre, where I will more or less learn to walk again with a prosthetic limb.

“As you can imagine this is a huge step and one that wouldn't have been possible without everyone's support.

“Furthermore, I would like to say another massive thank you to the many visitors I have also had since being in hospital (which is now four months).

“Seeing different faces most days really does help to inspire me to get back home to my incredible family and I cannot say how much it means to me that people are taking time out of their busy schedules to come and sit with me at my bedside.

“Also, I would like to thank everyone for their kind donations towards my go fund me page - the response has been incredible and I am truly humbled.

“Special mentions must go out there to Sporting Club Thamesmead, Welling Town, Erith Town, Phoenix Sports and Punjab United, in particular Lee Hill, Kevin Oakes and Micky Collins who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organise things as well as some generous donations from individuals who know who they are. Your contributions will never ever be forgotten and will go a long way in aiding my recovery.

“Finally, I would like to wish all of the football world the best of luck for the season ahead. I can't wait to get back out there and start watching games again and who knows one day I might even consider managing once again but for now I will be concentrating on getting back to full health.

“Football really is a special sport and the fact that people have come together after this horrific illness is truly something that I will remember for the rest of my life!”