RUFC - Joseph on his illness

ROtherham United defender, Marc Joseph, showed what a trooper he was when he signed himself out of hospital at the beginning of October to come and watch his team mates play, then go back to finish off his treatment.

Joseph joined the Millers in the summer from Blackpool but picked up an infection in pre-season. Not knowing the full extent of his illness he carried on training and playing but realised that he was sleeping a lot and he lost a stone in weight. Eventually he went to see a specialist who diagnosed a severe kidney infection.

Talking to The Advertiser, the thirty-one year old takes up the story, 'I had scans and was rushed into hospital and put on a drip. Once the anti-biotics kicked in I began to feel fine.

'I picked up a bladder infection at a health spa which turned into a kidney infection. I lost a stone and had no energy and was sleeping for hours and hours. I was struggling to play and at home the missus was pulling her hair out because I didn't want to go out or do anything.'

Speaking about his trip out of hospital to see the Millers he said, 'it was good to get out of hospital and see fresh faces and I wanted to get involved in everything and remind myself what it was all about being involved with a football team on matchdays.'

Millers boss Mark Robins said, 'Marc has had a tough time and it's good to have him back.'

Marc has put back the weight he lost and has played his part in the last two games that he has started for the Millers.