Crusaders helped me through dark days of injury nightmare, says Ben Kennedy

Ben Kennedy has been named August 2023’s Player of the Month by the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association

Crusaders ace Ben Kennedy does not want to dwell on the past.

The talented forward endured a nightmare 2022/23 season, that saw the former Stevenage star go under the knife on two occasions.

Now, he’s back on the pitch doing what he does best — torturing defences. With five goals to his name already, including a four-goal haul against Carrick Rangers, Kennedy was named Dream Spanish Homes Player of the Month for August by the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association.

Reflecting on his year out of the game, Kennedy said: “It was a really difficult time for me.

“It wasn’t just the knee injury — I also had to have my appendix out.

“So I had my appendix out before Christmas and then I had my knee operation in January.

“It was a bit of madness, really. It felt like I was getting no luck.

“But I had the support of my family around me and the club, so they helped me get through it.

“That’s what I love about Crusaders, we stick together and help each other out even with off field stuff.

“But listen, I don’t want to dwell on those times. The truth is, I’m not back to full fitness just yet. I’m still getting knocks and normally wouldn’t get.

“But I’m getting there. I’m moving forward.”

While Kennedy is looking to the future, it’s worth remembering that he was once one of the hottest prospect in the Football League.

In six years with Stevenage he scored 31 goals in 167 games for the League Two side. He confessed that he found readjusting to life back in Northern Ireland a little difficult at first.

“The first sixth months back here was tough,” he admitted.

“I took a while to adjust to life back home and I didn’t