AS Tim Waylen's 18 month injury nightmare finally draws to an end the Melksham Town midfielder admits there were times when he thought of quitting the game.

Waylen, 29, has been out of action since breaking his leg in two places in August 2003 but after appearing as a substitute for Melksham Reserves two weeks ago he was left reflecting on a long and, at times difficult, road to recovery.

"It has been very hard work and sometimes very painful," he said. "I have spent hour after hour in the gym trying to get the leg back into shape and it has been a very frustrating time.

"I have to admit there were times when I thought the work and pain was not worth the bother and that I should just quit football.

"But after playing the other week and having a few nice touches I realised it was all worthwhile."

Waylen, who has suffered a number of setbacks in his quest to regain full fitness, will still have to have one more operation, to remove a pin from his leg, but he has sights firmly set on re-establishing himself as a member of the first team squad.

He said: "I know I am not there yet but I am on the waiting list for this operation and it should only keep me out of action for a matter of weeks.

"I have to try and get my fitness back now and there is still some hard work ahead because the leg does ache after training and playing.

"But I would love to make a return to the first team before the end of the season. I will not rush it but it is a goal that will keep driving me forward."

Since the start of this season, the former Trowbridge Town midfielder had been helping Alan Roberts run the reserve team and now, after the resignation of Roberts two weeks ago, Waylen has been placed in sole control.

He said: "I have enjoyed working with the reserves because it has kept me interested in the game and it has been a good experience to help run a team.

"Before my comeback game I was nervous about getting tackled but within a few minutes, someone came straight through me and kicked me in the air.

"I was lying on the floor and looked at my leg and when I saw it was alright it eased quite a lot of my nerves. That was probably the best thing that could have happened to me."

Waylen is expecting to be a substitute for the reserves again at home to Stratton tomorrow but is aiming for a full 90 minutes soon.

Melksham are away to Bristol Manor Farm tomorrow and travel to Devizes Town on Tuesday night.