Incredibly, one year after his cardiac arrest Dodd played for FC United of Manchester in a tournament, external at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, one of the most iconic grounds in world football, after being given the all-clear to resume playing again.
It was an emotional moment, with his dad Paul and brother Ryan travelling to Italy to watch him play.
“I was pinching myself and asking myself if this was real,” says Dodd, who has played at left-back and in midfield. “It was a miracle I was playing again.”
A few days before the game at the San Siro, he had broken down in tears at home as the emotions of what he and Kat had been through flooded back on the first anniversary of it all happening.
A feeling of guilt still lingers for putting those close to him through so much anguish.
“My mum [Suzanne] had two brain haemorrhages so I know what it’s like to be in an intensive care unit waiting room when the nurse tells you they may never wake up,” adds Dodd.
“Even if they do they may not know who you are. I know that feeling, I felt a lot of guilt from that.”
Dodd left FC United of Manchester in June 2023 after 118 competitive games.
The club released a statement , externalwhich said: “A character who gave it all for FC United of Manchester, he will be missed on and off the pitch, thanks Adam, you’re always welcome back.”
Dodd is forever grateful for the way FC United of Manchester supporters rallied to support him and Kat while he was in hospital and unable to work, raising £7,670 to help pay his mortgage while he recovered.
“I can’t thank them enough,” he adds.