Ben Perry 'excited to get back to Sixfields' after return from ACL injury
Colchester United midfielder Ben Perry says he is ‘excited to get back to Sixfields’ this weekend after marking his return from 14 months out with a late equaliser against Chesterfield on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old spent the second half of the 2024/25 on loan at Northampton, during which time his work ethic and endeavour made him a popular figure with supporters. The club tried to sign him permanently from Nottingham Forest the following summer but he instead joined Colchester United on a three-year deal.
However, within weeks of his arrival, Perry suffered a serious ACL injury and missed the whole of last season. After a couple of EFL Trophy appearances, he made his league return against Chesterfield in midweek and celebrated it by heading home a late leveller.
“It’s been a long journey, nearly 14 months, but hopefully I can build on tonight,” said Perry. “There were lots of periods where I struggled, especially at the start when you have to digest the news. You feel so far away.
“I was watching the lads train and I couldn’t imagine myself doing that again because I wasn’t even walking at the time, but it was all worth it to be back out there and now I just want to get more minutes.”
Perry, whose goal was partially created by another ex-Cobbler in Jay Williams, could now make his first league start of the season back at his old club this weekend.
“It’s just amazing to be back out there,” he added. “I’ve played a few EFL Trophy games but to be back playing in the league felt amazing, I was so excited to come on.
“To score my first professional goal made it even better. I want to add more goals to my game, that’s something I’ve worked on during my time out. I’ve watched clips with Nicky (Cowley) on how to arrive into the box.
“I thought we deserved the point in the end and now I’m excited to get back to Sixfields on Saturday and hopefully we can go there and get a win.”
Manager Danny Cowley added: “It was amazing to see Ben score the goal and I’m so pleased for him. He’s a young boy, he leaves his boyhood club and ruptures his ACL within four games of coming here. There were a lot of dark days but he has been incredible in his commitment and work ethic.
“Forget the goal, he was outstanding - he won duels he should never have won, he won headers, he covered ground. I could have cried for him when he scored.”