After enduring the longest injury absence of his career, former Irish League star Ben Tilney is embracing an opportunity to be back on the pitch with Wellington Rec – and also enjoying an exciting venture in Latvia.

Tilney, who started his career by making six League One appearances for MK Dons, lit up the Irish League with his trademark mazy runs for Larne, helping them seal Premiership promotion, before moving onto Carrick Rangers.

The 29-year-old was one of Carrick’s standout performers under Stuart King, playing a key role in their historic back-to-back league-high finishes, but last featured in September 2024 with a knee injury ruling him out of action.

With Tilney nearing a return to action in January, he likely could have had his pick of most Irish League clubs, but with prioritising his long-term health top of the agenda, the Englishman opted for a move to Ballymena & Provincial League outfit Welly Rec.

placeholder image — Ben Tilney in action for Carrick Rangers. (Photo by Inpho/Presseye/Stephen Hamilton)

Since joining Carrick legend Glenn Taggart’s side, Tilney has racked up three league appearances, including scoring in a 3-1 win over Wakehurst last month.

With a long 18 months now behind him, Tilney is enjoying a chance to get back to the sport he loves away from the Premiership spotlight.

"I had a cartilage problem in my knee and had injections, but it wasn't healing as well as I wanted,” he said. “I needed to get it right because otherwise I would have longer term problems.

"I did pre-season and it didn't feel 100%. I needed to look after myself and do proper rehab.

"In January, I knew I could do with playing, but there's all that goes with the Irish League and it wasn't the best thing for my long-term recovery jumping into something like that.

"I had some options around that time and I always find it's a tricky time of the year in January.

“I have loved my time at Welly Rec, the chairman, Kenny Thompson, is a fantastic guy and he has been great for me.

"They have a younger team so it has been great to help them out and bring a bit of experience into the team. It's about getting my fitness back and looking after myself.

"That was the longest I had been out injured and you're used to that routine of playing every Saturday.

"It was nice to step away and realise that I still love playing and to get that enjoyment back.

"When you're back on the pitch playing, you feel completely different competing for three points, whether that's for Welly Rec or in the Premiership. It's still the same and it’s great to have that back."

In September, Tilney was appointed to the leadership group of Latvian club FK Cēsis, who were taken over by Kevin Doyle – a Florida-based executive who has also been involved with Carrick – last year.

The opportunity has allowed Tilney to get special insight into the running of a football club and he has loved every minutes of the experience.

"They're doing some fantastic things and pushing to get into the top-flight of Latvian football,” he added. “I've been helping assist with things behind the scenes, some recruitment, growing their academy, starting up a women's team, so it has been really interesting.

"I've known Kevin for a long time. He asked for my help and advice, and while I wasn't playing as much, I was able to spend more time looking at that.

"I've seen the game in a different way and had a look behind the scenes in how a football club runs and operates.

"It has been really interesting for me to see that, still be involved in the game, and experience a different style of football and culture.

"I do a lot of it remotely and have been out to Latvia a couple of times to see the team play and get a feel for it...I have loved it. It's a fantastic set-up."