Former Gunner makes 1st appearance in over 3 years | OneFootball

Former Arsenal academy winger Nathan Tormey made his first competitive appearance in a number of years on Saturday, coming off the bench for Enfield Town.

Photo via Enfield on Twitter

Former Arsenal winger Nathan Tormey left north London almost five years ago now, after scoring four goals in 15 games for the Arsenal u23s in 2019/20.

It’s been a difficult road for the player since then, particularly as his time as a free agent began with recovery from an ACL injury.

After a year out of action, Tormey joined Bromley FC in August 2021, but his spell with the club was short-lived, his sole appearance coming in November 2021.

Three years and four months later, the 24-year-old winger returned to the pitch for Enfield Town in a match against Slough Town on Saturday. He came on as a substitute for the final 15 or so minutes of the 1-1 draw.

Photo via Twitter

Reflecting on his spell away from the game in a post on Instagram, Tormey admitted it hasn’t been easy for him.

“Minutes in a competitive match today for the first time in a few years,” Tormey wrote. “Been such a long, difficult period with two surgeries and so much more to deal with, but I was never going to stop until I got myself back on the pitch doing what I love most.

“So happy to finally be playing again. The work continues to get myself back to where I want to be.”

Photo via Arsenal.com

When Tormey signed for National League South side Enfield earlier this month, his new manager Gavin Macpherson admitted the goal is for the winger to get back to the Football League.

“He can play anywhere across the front three and gives us something we haven’t got,” Macpherson said.

“Ultimately Nathan wants to get back in the Football League but he’s under no illusions and realises he’s got to knuckle down.”

For the team, the goal this season is to avoid relegation. Enfield are five points clear of the relegation zone with six games remaining, so they’ll hope Tormey can help them over the line.