Paddy Kenny vows to repay his supporters
The Sheffield United goalkeeper was banned by the Football Association in September after a routine urine sample taken following a Championship play-off semi-final clash with Preston four months earlier was found to contain traces of ephedrine.
Kenny, who admitted the charge, claimed he had taken tablets bought at a chemist to help fight a chest infection prior to the Preston game.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlthough cleared of cheating, Kenny was suspended from playing for nine months by the regulatory commission, which was back-dated to July 22, the day the FA's ban came into force.
The 31-year-old finally returned to action on Saturday, producing a man-of-the-match performance in a 2-0 win over Swansea at Bramall Lane where he was given a rousing reception before kick off.
"The game at the weekend made me realise how much I have missed playing, and the fans made it a very special day," said Kenny.
"I have to admit I'm nervous before every game, but I had a few more nerves on this occasion.
"When I then ran down to The Kop ahead of the game I was emotional, but luckily enough I got through it. The fact it was a home game helped."
For the full story read Thursday's Yorkshire Post.