IF anyone has been there, done it and got the T-shirt at Weymouth Football Club, it’s Matthew McGowan.
Player, manager, chairman and now director of football- he’s virtually done it all.
But the last few weeks have been a difficult period on and off the park at the Wessex Stadium for the former hotelier.
His side have struggled for form in the Conference South, suffering a dip in results and fading away from the play-off places.
McGowan has also undergone a hip replacement operation leaving him virtually powerless to help boss Steve Johnson stop the rot.
And the farmer Portland United boss admits making a full recovery can’t came soon enough.
He said: “The operation took place up at the Winterborne Hospital and in it they cut the muscle in my leg which has obviously left me struggling a bit.
“But I’m now on a gradual exercise routine programme to increase my strength and they say it’ll take about six weeks before my back to normal.
“I’m having to do five exercises two or three times a day at the minute and much of my time is spent at home which is frustrating.
“There’s nothing I’d like mare than to be down on the ground an a daily basis helping Steve get out of this difficult patch we’re going through.
“I normally go to all the training sessions but this operation has unfortunately meant that hasn’t been able to happen.
“I’ve been in touch with Steve nearly every day talking over various club matters but that’s not the same as being in and around the club on a daily basis.
‘A lot of fans have wished me well, which has been nice, and I’d like to thank them for their support.
“I’ve been able to get to our home games, which has been good, but I’m looking forward to making a full recovery.”
McGowan admits he is relishing having more involvement this season in playing matters at Radipole Lane.
The way things work is Martyn Harrison looks after the business side of the club and I oversee the footballing matters from the board’s point of view,” he said.
“That arrangement suits everyone and I think it has worked well this season.
There’s been same big changes over the last few months and obviously you can’t keep everyone happy.
But generally I think we’re heading the right way and I’m certainly enjoying working with Steve and the players”
