HEALTHY CONNOR SEEKS CUP GLORY
Jennings puts meningitis scare behind him
MENINGITIS treatment and a ‘virus of the brain’ were two unfortunate components of Connor Jennings’ preparation for the match that brought him back into the Football League.
Now the Tranmere forward is hoping that his path to the FA Cup third round will be a little less traumatic.
Jennings created Wembley memories that will stay with him for years to come when he returned from his health scare to help Rovers overcome Boreham Wood and win promotion last season.
“It was a freak sort of thing,” said the Tranmere man. “It was on a Friday ahead of the playoff semi-final and I fell ill during training. I went home and then ended up in hospital that same night.
“I was having hallucinations and I couldn’t open my eyes, so I was having about five differSo ent drips fed into me for about a week. They diagnosed me with a virus of the brain and I ended up getting treated for meningitis – it was really tough but I made it out and had to watch the semis from the stands. I couldn’t not go.
Tough
“The lads did their job, luckily. It was hard but I perked up a lot in the last few days before the final and obviously the rest is history.”
The history the 27-year-old modestly mentions is setting up James Norwood to head in the winner at Wembley.
Now, looking ahead to this afternoon’s second-round clash with Non-League near neighbours Southport (kick-off 2pm), the former Wrexham man hopes to add another memorable chapter to his remarkable story.
“You try not to look too far ahead with these things and we have a great chance of getting into the third round with these boys but it is not always that easy,” said Jennings.
“To get there would be massive for the club and for the fans because you can create so many memories.
“It is great for the club money-wise as well, so if that happens, it will be great all around.”
Jennings had a spell in League One with Scunthorpe and sees Tranmere’s promotion as something of a second chance.
“Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for me at Scunthorpe – I had a few injuries and then I had a few issues with managers, but that’s football,” he said.
“I have been working hard since I left Scunthorpe and I got my reward last year when we got promoted and I’ve been enjoying it so far – so long may that continue.”
vital was Jennings’ contribution last year, he was named as the National League Player of the Year at the North West Football Awards in November.
FA Cup success this weekend would also be another feather in Tranmere’s cap as Micky Mellon’s troops continue to shine on their return to League Two, only goal difference currently keeping them out of the play-off positions.
Jennings, who has bagged four goals so far this term, added: “It was amazing to get recognised for the award but I think any of my teammates could have won it because we all had such a good year.
“This season is looking very promising so far – we have got a great squad.
“The winning mentality has been carried into the Football League, so that is brilliant.
“We just need to keep working hard.”