The miraculous recovery of Staines Town midfielder Gareth Risbridger from an horrific injury has been recognised at the club's annual presentation evening.

The midfielder has made a triumphant return to first-team action this season, making more than 50 appearances in the Swans' Ryman Premier Division campaign, having fought back from a leg injury that almost cost him his leg and kept him on the sidelines for more than two years.

Risbridger, 25, was honoured with the Jack Hanson clubman of the year award, a prize normally reserved for administrative staff.

He said: "I really appreciate it after all the hard work I put in to get back. It's great to be recognised."

Manager Steve Cordery was full of praise for his miracle man.

"He battled back magnificently and his level of performance this season has been much better than I expected," he said.

"He has been a great example to everyone at the club and fully deserves his award."

Former Southend player Risbridger was brought to Wheatsheaf Lane in December 2003 by Cordery, under whom he had played under at Aylesbury.

But he suffered the shocking injury a month later in a derby clash with Egham that "left his knee hanging out and almost cost him his leg".

"Had the injury occured maybe 30 years ago, I would have probably lost my leg," he said.

Risbridger spent five days in hopital after the incident and underwent six operations in two years before finally returning to action last July.

And there were times when he thought he might not play again. "It is always in the back of your mind," Ridsbridger said.

But now, having completed his first full campaign since 2001-02, when he played for Southend and Dover Athletic, the man nicknamed "Gash" is finally getting his career back on track.

"This season was all about getting fit and restoring my sharpness," he said.

"I believe I will become a better player than I was before."

And he is determined to lead the way as the Swans mount a push for promotion from the Ryman Premier next season.

"We have a good chance. We are bringing in a lot of new players," he added.