Returning King like another new signing

King, 29, was an eye-catching for the Gladiators from Alfreton Town in October 2018, but just days after signing an extended contract with the club, he ruptured his ACL in a home game against Farsley Celtic in February 2019.

He said: “It’s been a long time, it’s a long road both physically and mentally from such an acute injury and it’s quite hard doing all of the recover y work. It’s also been frustrating, you’re wanting to play, I badly wanted to give the lads a boost by getting the crosses in for the chances and trying to score goals but it’s just one of those things unfortunately and it’s a case of just getting on with it.

“You always doubt yourself when you’ve got a bad injury wondering will I ever get back to full fitness and like I say it’s been very tough mentally and physically. There’s been days when my rehab’s gone quite good and then the next day you feel it’s not gone as well as the day before that but you’ve got to drive yourself through it.

“There’s a little more for me to do yet in terms of strengthening and working a lot harder on my lateral and quick movement. I’d like to say that in another month or so I’ll be raring to go.”

There have been two management changes at Matlock while King has been on the sidelines, with Dave Frecklington departing at the end of the 2018/19 season, and then his successor Steve Kittrick was replaced midway through last season with ex-Buxton boss Paul Phillips.

King added: “There’s a new bunch of lads and everyone’s got to get familiar with one another but the gaffer’s made some good signings. The objective is to get promotion, either automatically or through the play-offs. It’s doable, definitely. Everyone’s working hard in training and if that can be replicated in a game situation we can be right up there. There’s strong competition for places and that can only be a good thing.

“I’m very appreciative of the backing I received from the club who’ve been fantastic with me, the fans have also been great, always asking about me and willing me to get fit again, so it’s a massive thank you from me to the club and the supporters. I can’t wait to be back playing and to get some wins in the bag for everyone.”

Phillips has made eight signings in the off-season so far, including strikers Sefton Gonzales and Liam Hughes, as he looks to put his own stamp on the squad.

He said of King: “He can be a big threat for us going forward, everyone knows what a good player he is.

“He’s worked so hard after a long time out, the club supported him over the last year and a half and now he wants to repay the club. He’s great to work with, he’s a fit lad and he’s the lightest he’s been. He needs games though for you can’t beat playing in competitive, physical games. Hopefully he can return to how he was and we’ll have a hell of a player on our hands.”