Forrest On Fitness

Craig Forrest says that getting well again is his priority - and not a new contract.

Craig is on the mend after being diagnosed with testicular cancer earlier in the season, and says: "I just had a check up to make sure things were okay and that there wasn't any spread. So far it has been good and, although a few tests haven't come back yet, I don't expect there will be a problem with those.

"The X-ray has gone great and then in three months I will get a scan again which is a little more precise, and it is basically just trying to get back to full fitness.

"As you go along in life you take your health for granted and when something happens it changes your perspective on things a little bit.

"Football is very important to me and it has been for many years, but obviously your health is number one priority.

"That is the only thing I am worried about at the moment, that is the important thing and the rest, which is secondary, will come later - everything else will fall into place.

"I am just taking it day by day. My contract runs out at the end of the season and obviously that is a concern to me but I am sure everything will work out just fine. It is further down the line, and we will worry about that later."

As for his rehabilitation, he says: "I am training a little bit, but I am struggling with my fitness because I am still a little bit washed out by the treatment.

"Generally I am slowly picking up day by day and trying to increase my training as I go along. I get down to Chadwell Heath every once in a while and it is nice to see everybody to keep in contact with the players - they have been terrific.

"It is hard going and with the fact that I can't get involved, mentally it is a bit draining because you want to be there so badly.

"At the moment I can't, and that is the most difficult part, but it is nice to go and see everyone and do a little bit on occasional times - but I am getting enough of the mickey taking on the phone and in a few golf rounds, so that's okay!

"Steve Lomas has been brilliant, contacting me every couple of days and keeping an eye on me, and the goalkeepers have also been great."