FOLLOWING the news that Lewis Whitham has signed a new contract with Guiseley for next season, the winger has heaped praise onto everyone involved with the club.

The 21-year-old attacking player sustained a serious knee injury in the away game at Marine in March with a complete tear of his ACL, MCL and meniscus.

A subsequent scan and specialist consultation, arranged and funded by the club, determined that surgery was required with a 10–12-month period of rehabilitation to follow.

He now awaits private surgery but the blow has been made easier for him to bear with the club, his teammates and supporters standing by him.

The club have given him a new contract and the supporters have rallied round to raise the funds (£8000) to privately fund his operation to expedite his return to the game.

Expressing total gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his recovery so far, Whitham said: “I cannot thank everyone who has contributed to this fund enough. I love this club to bits; I have enjoyed every single minute I have been here and I love being around it and the people involved in it.”

He continued: “It is a good, positive environment to be in and you feel appreciated. The management team, my fellow players, the people behind the scenes, sponsors etc have kept me going because this injury has been a massive blow to me.

“The club giving me a new contract when I am injured has shown massive faith in me and I appreciate it. I just want to get back out there on the pitch and I know it will be a big challenge but I am determined to give it my all and knuckle down to my rehab.”

Whitham will now have his operation in the next couple of weeks then expects to be on crutches for four weeks prior to eight to ten months rehab.

“Sponsors have paid for my rehab at Rotherham and I am so thankful for that. I am getting the best help and hopefully it will take me to where I was this season,” said the winger.

He added: “I feel good about signing a new contract and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the fund. As soon as this operation is done I will focus on getting back to full fitness. I just want to get back out there on the pitch. There is something special about this club, it has a good feeling and I feel safe and comfortable here.

“I want to be able to put it all out there for them and be a part of this club getting back to where they belong. Guiseley is too big to be in this league and the aspirations of everyone will push us forward and I want to be a part of that. The fans are a big part of it too and I want to re-pay them.”