Chorley manager Andy Preece is keeping his fingers crossed that Bermuda international Kole Hall could be back to full health and fitness in the new year.
The 27-year-old striker has endured a frustrating 2025, having not played a single minute this season due to a serious and unspecified health condition.
The situation sparked a wave of support from the football community, including Bermuda with a GoFundMe page established by the Magpies Trust raising over £10,000 to assist Hall with his growing medical costs.
While Hall’s health remains the priority for everyone at Victory Park, his absence on the pitch has been a significant blow for the Magpies. Preece’s side has struggled for consistency in front of goal, navigating a difficult run of results that has seen them pick up just one win in their last 12 outings across all competitions.
Hall was the focal point of the Chorley attack last season, leading the line with 12 goals following his move from Chester. Preece admits that the prospect of having his star forward back in the fold would provide a massive lift for a squad currently leaning heavily on the likes of Jack Sampson and Harry Ibbitson.
"Kole is just waiting on his results now," Preece told Chorley FC TV. "If those come back positive and everything is good, he could be back with us within the next month, which would be such a boost for us."
The manager added that Hall’s return would "take a bit of pressure off" his fellow strikers, offering a much-needed tactical alternative as the club enters a pivotal stage of the National League North campaign.
The Magpies sit in mid-table as 2025 draws to a close, but the return of their leading marksman could be the catalyst they need to reignite their push for the play-off positions in 2026.
