Blackpool saved my career.
I still sort of blame Blackpool for my injury. But deep down i know it was nobody's fault. I'd sometimes sit there and think, "what if i didn't jump for that header". Silly i know but maybe nothing would of happened to me.
When this had all happened i had no idea what i'd do next. Blackpool said they would treat me for my injury, which was a massive bonus. Considering i didn't have the money to pay for outside consultants. They told me to rest my knee for upto 2 weeks and them come back and see them, it was like i was still a player, but it still pained me that i wasn't recieving any wages, and was no longer playing for a club.
So 2 weeks dragged on. Playstation's, Nintendo's. Championship Manager. You name it, i'd got bored of it. But at least i was back to Blackpool and there to see my main Physio Mike Duran. They did there scans and sent me to a specialist where they said i'd need 3 ops on my knee. This came as no suprise really, the swelling had still not gone down on my knee, and i knew something needed to be done. And quickly.
I Hate Needles
It was time for my first op, I wasn't quite aware of what this op could do to me. But i'd only thought about the good things. Such as what if this got me back on the road to playing maybe even managing?
The first operation. Luckily they sent me to sleep, because me and needles don't really see eye to eye. The hole family came down to the hospital with me, including club physio Mike. They started the operation at 8:20am. I woke up at 3pm in a really awkward position. I had both legs strapped together and hanging from the roof. I had nurses and doctors flooding the room. As soon as i woke up, i just remember hearing noises like "is he awake". I couldn't even gain enough energy to talk, but i just opened my eyes enough to see my family.
The doctor starting speaking to me, he said "The operation went very well, and we're pleased with the look of your knee". I couldn't smile on the outside, but i smiled on the inside.
I was in the hospital for a week before i was aloud home, with my family and friends. We were driving the postman mad with the Letters, and 'Get well soon' cards. After a couple of days i could walk again. With crutches off course, but never the less i was still up and walking about. I reported back to the club where Mike greeted me and sat me down in the chair. He showed me the result scans. He smiled at me. He didn't do this much, only when i missed open goals.
He said to me "It's looking good". I didn't know whether this meant it's looking good as in i could go out and train the next month, or looking good as in you don't have to retire! I asked him how long untill i could start my rehab. He paused for a couple off seconds.. well it's upto the docs mate, you know i can't give you a date, but i'm pretty sure within 4-5 months.
The Doctors Verdict
On the way to the hospital i didn't quite know what to expect. I was thinking about if he said "You can never play football again" or "Looks like your training within months".
The doctor sat me down, and he offered my a cup off tea. I said no. He offered my a soft drink. I said no. The doctor knew what i wanted, and that was answers. He started of by flicking through his folder telling me about all these injuries he has treated before, and that he'd treated many footballers. Such as Gascoigne, Nigel Clough and he said his regular costumer was Dion Dublin.
After his 30 minute discussion, he finally got round to the good bits. or bad? He said that the op had been one of the 100% succesfull ops. And that it turned out alot better than he'd planned.
He told me i could start my rehab in 6months.
I sat there and thought of how things could of been alot worse. Considering how young i was.
I rang my family and told them the good news. But what would i do for 6months? I was just happy that Blackpool were still treating me.
What team would want to take me on now? As soon as i regained fitness, i would have to look for a new club, knowing that they wouldn't be as good as Blackpool.
Who would take a gamble on me?
