Chadwick’s ‘gutted’ as loan deal is cut short by ACL injury

HULL City prospect Billy Chadwick admits he is ‘gutted’ after his ‘amazing’ loan spell at Linfield was cut short by an ACL injury.

The young forward had made a promising start to life with the Northern Irish champions, netting six times in 20 appearances.

But Chadwick has returned to England to undergo treatment after picking up the injury in Linfield’s 2-1 defeat to Crusaders on November 13.

He told the club’s website: “I’m so gutted that my time with Linfield has been cut short, due to this unfortunate injury and I would just like to thank everyone associated with Linfield for the time I’ve spent at the club.

“It’s such an amazing club with many amazing people. I wish nothing but success for all the boys and fans for the remainder of the season and beyond.

“Thank you for everything and I will aim to get back to fitness and playing again as soon as I possibly can.”

Chadwick joined the Tigers in 2011 and has progressed through the youth ranks and into the senior set-up. No timescale has yet been given for the striker’s recovery.

Blues boss David Healy praised the 21-year-old for quickly establishing himself as a ‘popular’ player at the club, and wished him a “speedy” recovery.

He said: “I’m very disappointed to have to advise our supporters that Billy Chadwick has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury. The injury was sustained in our recent Premiership game against Crusaders at Seaview and Billy has in the last day or so returned to England to undergo treatment to assist his recovery.

“Billy’s loan spell was due to end in early January and so this unfortunate injury has brought about a premature end to his playing career with us.

“We are all so disappointed for Billy and we want to wish him a full and speedy recovery. He was a popular player who fitted in well with the squad and we will keep in contact with him to learn of his progress during his rehab.

“It’s a really disappointing way for his loan spell to be brought to an end and I want to thank Billy for his contribution over the past few months.

“We look forward to the day when Billy is back to full fitness and able to resume his playing career.”