“IT was the most difficult year of my life.”

So said York City’s Levi Andoh, after just shy of one year since he last pulled on the Minstermen kit.

Andoh underwent a strenuous period after suffering a fractured spine injury in last August’s 1-1 draw against Aldershot Town, which saw the defender ruled out of action and unable to feature again for York for the remainder of the campaign.

The 24-year-old Dutchman was often spotted in the stands supporting his teammates, despite going through a difficult period of rehabilitation and recovering, in which Andoh witnessed the sacking of both Mikey Morton and Neal Ardley, with Adam Hinshelwood now at the helm.

Speaking to the Press, Andoh opened up on a difficult year.

“It was the most difficult year of my life really,” Andoh admitted to the Press.

“I couldn’t really do much, it’s a lot to take on for myself.

RECOMMENDED READING:

“To watch the team not being able to perform as well as we probably should have, and to not be able to help whilst on the sidelines.

“It was really difficult. I can only be thankful really, it’s been a long time.

“It’s been a difficult year but I’m just happy to be back out on to the pitch, with my teammates and playing in front of the fans.

“I think I played four games and then was out injured for the rest of the season, I’ve missed a lot of games.

“It was very weird coming back after such a long time, but I’m so happy to be back now.

“It’s more about finding my feet again after such a long time out, I would love to play in front of these fans and I am going to work towards that this season.

“I also want to support the team whenever they need me, I’ll be ready to come out and help them on the pitch from off of the bench.

Levi Andoh was grateful to the York City medical staff for their support. (Image: Tom Poole)

“Even if I only get minutes every now and then, I’m just so happy to be back.”

Andoh has spent endless hours in the treatment room throughout his rehabilitation process, working closely with the likes of Lewis Bulmer, who departed the club at the end of the 2023/24 season, and newly-appointed physio Sam Mannings.

His rehabilitation allowed Andoh to gain valuable minutes in the recent 2-0 defeat to Garforth Town in pre-season, as the Dutchman accumulated 28 minutes of game time, avoiding further injury in the process.

The defender was hugely grateful to the medical team for their help throughout his recovery, and discussed his relationship with Hinshelwood, who has been incredibly supportive of Andoh.

Andoh continued: “They’ve [Bulmer, Mannings and all the medical staff] been a massive help, I’ve progressed along really well under the new medical staff.

“I’m just happy to be back out on to the pitch.

“It felt different, it felt weird. I haven’t been out on a pitch in so long and it was tough, but it felt so good and is something to build on.

“It was 30 minutes back into the tank, hopefully I can play more now.

“It feels really good after being in the background for so long and not being able to help the team.

“I’m really excited to be back and playing in front of the crowd, in front of the fans, it makes me really happy.

“He’s [Hinshelwood] been great and so supportive, he’s helped me to find my way back after such a long time.

“He’s been really good, all the boys are really warming to him along with all of the players he’s brought in.

Adam Hinshelwood has been supportive to Levi Andoh during his recovery.Adam Hinshelwood has been supportive to Levi Andoh during his recovery. (Image: Tom Poole)

“It’s a big group but we’re all a good team together, I’m really buzzing for this season and really excited.”

Andoh has also overseen a huge squad reshuffle during his time in the treatment room, with the likes of Joe Felix and Ryan Fallowfield both accomplished in featuring at right-back, his preferred position.

However, as Andoh showed in the earlier stages of the 2023/24 season, he is more than capable of operating across the back-line and even further up the field, playing in a different position in each of his four appearances last campaign.

Andoh explained to the Press: “My preferred position is actually at full-back or right-back, but I can also play at centre-back, right centre-back, left centre-back, but I do enjoy playing right-back.

“I feel like I’m most utilised there. You can put me anywhere on the pitch and I’ll do a job, I’ll help the team out and will always play to the best of my abilities.

“I give 100 per cent on the pitch, that’s all I want to do.”