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James Crawley writes

Posted Friday, August 10th 2018 @CrawleyJames92

McCoulsky rewarded with new contract

Friday, August 10th 2018

City striker Shawn McCoulsky has marked his return from illness with a new three-year contract.

The 21-year-old also has the option of a further year as he looks to cement his future in BS3.

As well as his new contract, McCoulsky will join Southend United of League One on loan for the remainder of the season, although City do have the option of recalling him in January.

McCoulsky netted 31 times while on loan at Bath City, Weston-super-Mare and Torquay United during the 2016/17 campaign and he continued similar form while impressing at Newport County last season, notably scoring a late header to send Leeds United out of the FA Cup.

But his season was cut short after he was diagnosed with the heart condition pericarditis - inflammation of the sac which surrounds the heart - following a viral infection.

He has now made a full recovery and is itching to get back to playing football once again.

McCoulsky told bcfc.co.uk: “It’s another step from League Two last season and I am ready to push on now.

“It feels great to be back because the heart condition was a shock for me but I am back now and fully fit.

“Everyone treated me very well during that difficult time, from the Doc (Jonathan Williams) to all the physios and staff at the club. It’s been a rollercoaster few months but I’m back now, fully fit and I want to kick on, push on now and show what I can do.”

Shawn has given consent for his medical case to be discussed.

Team doctor Jonathan Williams said: "Shawn was on loan at Newport when he developed unusual chest pains. Investigations suggested he had developed pericarditis, which is normally triggered by a viral infection.

"He was thoroughly investigated by our consultant cardiologist Graham Stuart to ensure that his heart muscle was normal. Shawn required a period of rest which was frustrating for him, but he accepted it with patience and maturity.

"I am delighted to say he was able to gradually increase his training load and Shawn had his final check with Dr Stuart. He is now fully fit to train and play as normal.

"We wish Shawn a successful season loan at Southend."

Aaron Parsons, also of the City Under-23’s squad, has joined Weston-super-Mare on a one-month loan, taking the number of youngsters out on loan to 14.