Published: Wednesday, 27th May, 2009 4:27pm

Hughes:Don't send me on my bike boss

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In March of last year Martin Hughes suffered a double fracture which required a pin to be inserted into his lower right leg.

The injury ruled out the Arthurlie captain for the long term.

During the summer of 2008, Martin"s contract with Arthurlie expired, but the club chose to re-sign him for season 2008-09 knowing he might not be fit to play – a fact which has not been lost on Hughsey, who is now back on the road to full fitness.

Speaking during Thursday night"s friendly against Renfrew, Martin took time out to sum up his observations, thoughts and hopes for the future.

He said: 'This has been a total nightmare.

'The sort of injury I had plays mind games with the sufferers in that you think you"re OK but you really aren"t.'

'After ten months I thought I was close to playing but I had a setback which was a huge shock to me.

'But now I"m back training and taking part in bounce games and feel ready to play.

'After being out so long there is no point in risking anything with only one league game and the Evening Times Cup to play for.

'now my aim is to get a good pre-season under my belt and come back stronger than ever.'

On the subject of next season I asked Martin where he would be playing.

He said: 'The obvious answer is Arthurlie, but I do want to stay.

'The club stood by me through my injury and I want the chance to pay them back and more on the field.

'Whether I stay or not is obviously not down to me but the management who are continually trying to strengthen the team.

'Given the option I would sign on again for Arthurlie as my first choice.'

I went on to ask Martin how it felt for him to stand on the touchline watching his side.

'When the team plays well it"s a pleasure,' he replied.

'Some of the performances this season have been amazing and it"s so good to feel part of that.

'On other occasions we as a team have been shocking.

'It"s easy to stand on the sidelines and criticise but personally when I see the team struggle I want to get on the park and help them.

'It"s the worst feeling in the world when you see your mates struggle and you can"t do anything to help them.'

Martin added a few thoughts which might surprise many Arthurlie supporters.

'I do feel part of the current squad because I am still the club captain, and allied to that I"ve attended every training night even when I wasn"t able to train.

'The current squad is probably the best I have been associated with in junior football quality-wise.

'Every member of the current squad is a great guy, but the one problem I see on the pitch is they are all too nice.

'Obviously we want to see someone turn a full back inside out then crack a shot into the top corner, who doesn"t?

'Teams need flair players who can turn it on in a second and make a game-winning move, but you need guys who will dig in and do the thankless tasks nobody notices.'

'Every team needs its flair and workers.

'We have our flair players, and with one or two workers we won"t be far away next year.'

Martin finished off with a very personal observation.

'Arthurlie went almost six years without any silverware, and I jointly picked up the Central League Cup and the Sectional League Cup with Lee Sharp.

'This coming season I want to pick up silverware again but this time I want to be stripped and not suited.

'I want to contribute on the field.

'As much as those cups meant to the players and supporters, I believe we as a club should be targeting the West of Scotland Cup, the Scottish Cup – and much more importantly the League championship.'