Gethin Jones is relishing the prospect of an eagerly-awaited homecoming as he prepares to face Portsmouth tonight.
Jones hasn’t played at the University of Bolton Stadium since helping Wanderers complete a sixth successive home win against Lincoln City in February.
The Whites’ defender and vice-captain spent time away from the club following the devastating loss of his mum, Karen, later that month.
But the 26-year-old will line up against Pompey on Tuesday evening after returning to training a fortnight ago and making his playing comeback in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Wigan.
“It’s been a while and I’m excited to see everyone again. It will be good to be back out there on the pitch,” said Jones.
“When my mum passed away I did think about coming back a bit sooner than I did.
“But it was important for me to stay at home with the family.
“The support we’ve had as a family from everyone; Sharon, the board, the gaffer, staff, players, and fans as well, has been incredible – everyone who is part of this football club.
“I can’t thank them enough. As a family it really touched us to see the staff and the players and Sharon to come down to the funeral.
“I just want to come back and repay the club and thank them for everything they’ve done.
“When I first signed here was a proud moment for me and with everything I’ve gone through at home, the club has been so supportive and I just want to thank them so much.
“I really feel at home here. I love the club, I love the fans, so I just want to re-pay them.”
As well as acting as a pillar of strength for his family – father Gareth, brother Dylan and sister Ela – Jones is a key part of the Wanderers’ set-up.
And his return has been a welcome one as Ian Evatt’s men look to finish the season on a high and move into the top 10 with victory over a Portsmouth side level on points but having played two games fewer as they try and keep their promotion hopes alive.
“It will be a very tough game,” added Jones. “They are in the same kind of position as us, hoping to maybe get in the play-offs, so I’m excited for the game.
“If we concentrate on ourselves and win every game you never know what can happen between now and the end of the season.
“It will be a competitive game – as will Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday.
“It will be a big week for us to see where we can be towards the end of the season.”
Wanderers will again be backed by big crowds for the games against Pompey and fifth-placed Wednesday as they enter their final six fixtures of the campaign.
With 12,700 season tickets sold already for 2022/23, the level of support for Evatt’s side continues to grow.
And the size and scale of the Wanderers’ fan-base is genuinely appreciated by the players as they again look to put on a show.
“Its’s unbelievable. We keep speaking about it in the changing rooms,” said Jones.
“It just shows everything about this club. It’s a big family club and obviously we’re doing something right on the pitch for the fans to come and support us every game.
“That’s what we want to do. We want to play attractive football, attacking football and if we keep working hard there will hopefully be many more fans as well.”
Tickets for the games against Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday are still available, with details HERE