Joe Riley says thank you to 'amazing' Shrewsbury Town fans
Joe Riley has thanked Shrewsbury Town and its fans for an 'amazing' show of support through a difficult period in his personal life.
The right-back completed a back-to-back 90 minutes in the league for the first time since November in a more unfamiliar role of central midfield in the 1-0 defeat against MK Dons and caught the eye.
Riley and his partner Kayleigh lost their son, Leo Joseph, who was stillborn earlier this year.
Town fans have rallied behind the popular former Bolton player, who returned to action following three months on the sidelines against Peterborough on April 24.
Riley said: "It's been the worst year of my life to be perfectly honest but to have the support that me and my girlfriend have had has been amazing.
"The fans have been terrific, online obviously and even coming in with people just putting their arm around you.
"The whole club as well, everyone has been fantastic with me through a very difficult time so I can't thank them enough for that."
Riley, who was signed by former boss Micky Mellon from Bury in 2016, has made 52 Town appearances.
He continued: "I've loved it here. I've had lows and highs, obviously. But it's a great club with great people.
"It's certainly got a place in my heart, especially after what I've been through."
Riley added on the disappointing defeat against MK Dons, his 17th appearance of the season: “We didn’t really play that great but we will go into Thursday, we know it’s a big game and we will step into that full of confidence."
On June 16 the 26-year-old, alongside family and friends, will walk more than 40 miles from Manchester to Blackpool Tower in aid of The Royal Bolton Hospital maternity and bereavement unit.
You can support Joe and Kayleigh on their walk by donating at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leo-joseph-riley?utm_id=60&utm_term=XNJzQYM8j