Back home: Leatherhead striker Billy Marshall. Deadlinepix Amy Weston SP20756
For Leatherhead starlet Billy Marshall, the simple act of pulling on a pair of football boots without pain is proof that better times are ahead.
The former Bristol City trainee is back at his hometown club after an injury-ravaged two years that threatened to derail his professional dreams.
And the 19-year-old, who was in sparkling form for the Tanners in the final months of the Ryman Division One South season, has his sights set on a trip back to the big-time.
Marshall said: "I started out at Fulham when I was 10 and I was there for a year.
"After I got released, I played for a few Sunday league teams and was just enjoying my football. I got spotted by Tottenham, had a six-week trial and they offered me a contract.
"I had a decent time there but, when I reached 16, they said they weren't going to offer me a place on their YTS scheme."
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A frustrating period followed in which Marshall had numerous trials at the likes of Leicester, Crystal Palace and Norwich.
Although they all took an interest, nobody gambled on his potential.
Marshall said: "I ended up joining Woking, playing in their youth team.
"I hadn't been there long when Bristol City came in and offered me a deal."
What should been another great opportunity again soon turned to frustration, due to Marshall's long-standing issue with bone size in one of his knees.
Despite scoring a hatful of goals in the Robins' reserve side in his first season, injury in the second year brought an end to his time at Ashton Gate.
He added: "I was in a reserve game and I got right on the knee-cap. It jarred the bones and one stuck into the tendon in my knee.
"That started to flare up whenever I did any running and I ended up needing an operation. I was out for eight months and then was told I was being released."
Taking time out of football, Marshall went through extensive rehabilitation, and started coaching youths in a bid to battle back to fitness.
That's when Leatherhead came calling, and he jumped at the chance.
He added: "I wasn't sure how my knee would hold out but all the rehab seems to have worked.
"I have signed a contract here for next season but my ambition is to play at as high a level as possible, and I will work my socks off to get there.
"Leatherhead have looked after me and I am pleased to be playing for them.
"While I am here I will work 110 per cent to help the team."
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