Scunthorpe United are not the only ones to have a season to forget. SARAH CLAPSON finds out from unlucky Iron forward Garry Thompson how he plans to come back from a campaign almost obliterated by injury.

HE WANTED to end the season near the top of Scunthorpe United's goal charts; instead, the only table Garry Thompson became acquainted with was the one in the treatment room.

It has been a year to forget for the 30-year-old.

A persistent groin injury limited him to just 13 appearances in a campaign which he had hoped would see him fill the striking vacancy left by Gary Hooper.

In that sense, there is almost a sense of deja vu talking to the Iron attacker ahead of the close season.

Hooper's space is still effectively to be filled and it is up front where Thompson again sees his role next term.

Only this time, he has vowed to come back 'stronger, fitter and faster' than before, ready for Scunthorpe's assault on League One, with not a hint of injury in sight.

Having undergone two operations to correct his problem, the former Morecambe winger is in full rehabilitation mode.

A honeymoon trip to America, including a visit to Las Vegas, will no doubt help.

But Thompson is keen to ensure there is no gambling when it comes to his place in the United team in 2011/12.

"On a personal level, it's been the worst season I've had injury wise," he said.

"A couple of seasons ago I picked up little niggly injuries, like a little strain in my hamstring or a little knock on my ankle – things that can't be prevented.

"This season has been the one where I've had to think about my longer career in terms of the bigger picture rather than just what's in front of you.

"That's what I've had to do, unfortunately.

"I've had to draw a line under this season since January. It's disappointing.

"It's not how I wanted the season to finish or how I wanted it to go for myself personally.

"But I've got a lot of things coming up in the summer which I'm excited about and hopefully that will kick on to an even more exciting season next year.

"I'm looking forward to getting back out there, being able to run and being able to pass a ball about without being in pain.

"Personally as well, I'm getting married and I've got a nice honeymoon to look forward to. We're going to Las Vegas, New York and Puerto Rico so it's a bit of a little trip.

"But my main focus is obviously on getting fit and putting this season behind me. That starts now.

"It's little baby steps at the minute.

"I've got a programme to do and when I come back on July 1, I know I'll be fit to push on in pre-season.

"Hopefully I can then start next season the way I started this one.

"I'm looking forward to coming back, bigger, stronger, fitter and able to push this team back up into the Championship where we belong."

To do that, Thompson knows Alan Knill's side need goals.

It looked like he could be the man to provide them back in August, with an opening day strike at Reading and a promising partnership with Jonathan Forte.

But with the latter since moved on, it is with ex-Rochdale front man Chris Dagnall Thompson is most likely to link-up with.

Having been assured by Knill he remains part of the manager's plans, it seems the opportunity is there to impress.

"I can see myself hopefully forging a good partnership with Chris next year," he said.

"He's the sort of player I like to play with. He works his backside off and that will compliment me.

"The manager's said he wants me to be part of the plans, which is exciting for me.

"I'm buzzing with the excitement of going out there and showing him what I can do.

"I can't do that until next season, but I've got a nice break now and things personally to look forward to, then I can get on with the rest of my career.

"At the minute I would just play anywhere. I would play at left-back if it means being out on the pitch at three o'clock on a Saturday."

And when that does finally happen, there will be no holding back from Scunthorpe's number 11.

"I know a lot of people who have been out long-term say they are a bit nervous about doing this and that. But I'm fully confident that my body will be able to stand up to anything," Thompson added.

"The guy who did the operations also worked on Robbie Savage and he's carried on playing to 36, so I've got no worries whatsoever. There are none of those thoughts in my mind at all.

"I've spoke to the consultant a few times and he's happy with my progress so far. He's one of the best in the country.

"When you keep breaking down, obviously you have a little worry in the back of your mind, but I always knew that at the end of the day I did need the operations.

"I've had them done and I'm feeling well.

"I know I'm going to come back and hopefully be stronger, fitter, faster and be able to put the ball in the back of the net.

"I'm here for another season at least and I just want to get out on the pitch to propel this club forward.

"We deserve to be a Championship club and we've got Championship players.

"Everyone has blips and hopefully we can bounce back at the first time."