Bishop is in fine fettle
8:20am Thursday 2nd July 2009 in Bury FC By Marc Higginson
SHAKERS striker Andy Bishop is hoping his successful knee operation this summer can be the catalyst for a goal-den season.
The 26-year-old, who has been the club’s top scorer for the last three seasons, went under the knive in May and is feeling fully fit and refreshed after weeks of rehabilitation.
Bishop has revealed how a knee injury was affecting his game, and he is determined to make up for lost time when the new season kicks-off with a home game against Bournemouth on August 8.
“My knee is really good and it’s a massive weight off my shoulders to have had it done and they have actually found something,” said Bishop, who got married during the close season. “For two years everyone has been saying it was tendonitis, and that I had to manage it and deal with the pain.
“When they opened it up, they found there was a cyst on the back of my knee which had been getting bigger and bigger and got more painful.
“It didn't show on the scans, so to have found something and have it dealt with feels really good.
“It was ridiculous being told that it was tendonitis, because I didn’t know how I was going to cope or get through the next game.
“It got to the point that if I played on Saturday, I couldn't run on Tuesday or play, probably, so it’s nice to know I'm going to be all right.
“I'm looking forward to starting the new season now. I’ve been in all summer working hard and the physio, Alan Bent, says I am fitter than I have been for a long time.”
Bishop, who has been linked with a move to Carlisle over the summer despite recently signing a new contract to stay at Gigg Lane, will have to battle with Andy Morrell and new signings Ryan Lowe and Danny Carlton for a starting spot, but he is relishing the task at hand.
“I think Ryan Lowe and Danny Carlton are really good signings,” he said. “Ryan is a goalscorer and I know Danny from playing against him in the Conference and he is also prolific, so it will be tough competition for places in the team.
“You have got to be on your game if you want to be in the team.
“There are going to be two disappointed players, and they will be working hard to get into the team, so it is going to be good competition.
“There’s only been one speculation story about me this summer, which is strange, but I think it comes from being injured and from not playing my best since Christmas.
“I've not set a target this season, but I just want to be fit and we will see where that takes me. I scored 18 goals last season but Ryan Lowe did as well so it will be a tough competition.”
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