Danny 9 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 I was reading an article about him, and his comeback, and while the headline was of the nature of 'Rangers Star Putting Injury Hell Behind Him' etc, the actual content of the story was a lot less reassuring. First off, he's been to about 8977 surgeons at the last count. Apparently the most recent one, a German lady (possibly the same one who apparently fixed Michael Owen?) saw the procedure release a trapped nerve, ending Smith's pain in the surrounding area. But at no point did he say anything like 'it's great to be back and to finally be rid of my problems'. Perhaps he's trying to avoid tempting fate, which I suppose is understandable, but all his comments are about 'being happy to train again but being paranoid his troubles are still there'. He seems very, very insecure about himself - he also mentioned the hip problems he had earlier, and talk about trying to avoid tempting fate: 'hopefully they won't return, but never say never'. It seems to me that psychologically he's been damaged by this, which is predictable given he's still very young. I hope I am not correct, but while he never quite aspired to be the LB equivalent of Mols, I have this notion that his career may go the same way - that the peace of mind which allowed him to play freely before is now gone, and he's terrified every step could lead to another injury. Even besides, when he does come back (if), it could take him many, many months to come close to what he was before. I would hope that the fans won't get on his back, because that will make it even worse for him. Thoughts? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirkiebear 1,013 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 His confidence has clearly been dented after his terrible injury problems but this period now is about building the confidence back up and getting him back to first team level fitness. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
docspiderman 1,255 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 I think perhaps his worry is that this is the second time he is battling back from a career threatening injury hell. He fought back after almost being written off as a teenager. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nvager 498 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 I think he will surprise all of us and be back a LOT sooner than people think. Once you get involved in a game of football your thoughts are on the game and you are not thinking about injury unless you are in pain and hopefully now he is not. Lets be positive for once and stop all this negativity. Keep believing!! :bouncy: :bouncy: :bouncy: :bouncy: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlegKuznetsov 10,816 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 I think he will surprise all of us and be back a LOT sooner than people think. Once you get involved in a game of football your thoughts are on the game and you are not thinking about injury unless you are in pain and hopefully now he is not. Lets be positive for once and stop all this negativity. Keep believing!! :bouncy: :bouncy: :bouncy: :bouncy: I'm with you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibroxblue 122 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 He's playing for the reserves at Killie tonight along with Webster and Dailly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaffbear 4,101 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 i look forward to the boy getting back. For all i like Sasa papac he isn't a natural quick attacking laft back. Any news on De Marcus Beasley....i know he's out for the season but just wondering how it was looking.would have been great those 2 down the left wing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueben_d 40 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 after everything he has been through it is understandable that he is a bit cautious about thinking it's over and done with, a few games under his belt and take a few knocks in the process and he will regain his confidence in his body - assuming the knocks don't lead to any problems! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wronglypenalised 14 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 I was reading an article about him, and his comeback, and while the headline was of the nature of 'Rangers Star Putting Injury Hell Behind Him' etc, the actual content of the story was a lot less reassuring. First off, he's been to about 8977 surgeons at the last count. Apparently the most recent one, a German lady (possibly the same one who apparently fixed Michael Owen?) saw the procedure release a trapped nerve, ending Smith's pain in the surrounding area. But at no point did he say anything like 'it's great to be back and to finally be rid of my problems'. Perhaps he's trying to avoid tempting fate, which I suppose is understandable, but all his comments are about 'being happy to train again but being paranoid his troubles are still there'. He seems very, very insecure about himself - he also mentioned the hip problems he had earlier, and talk about trying to avoid tempting fate: 'hopefully they won't return, but never say never'. It seems to me that psychologically he's been damaged by this, which is predictable given he's still very young. I hope I am not correct, but while he never quite aspired to be the LB equivalent of Mols, I have this notion that his career may go the same way - that the peace of mind which allowed him to play freely before is now gone, and he's terrified every step could lead to another injury. Even besides, when he does come back (if), it could take him many, many months to come close to what he was before. I would hope that the fans won't get on his back, because that will make it even worse for him. Thoughts? I mentioned the exact same a few months ago Danny, it will take him a good while in the first team to get back to match fit, then further still to find that form he had before he got injured, we must be patient, though it may be hard for Walter to persevere with him if he is 'adequate' rather than 'performing well' if we are still pushing on all 4 fronts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbm26896 995 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 I was reading an article about him, and his comeback, and while the headline was of the nature of 'Rangers Star Putting Injury Hell Behind Him' etc, the actual content of the story was a lot less reassuring. First off, he's been to about 8977 surgeons at the last count. Apparently the most recent one, a German lady (possibly the same one who apparently fixed Michael Owen?) saw the procedure release a trapped nerve, ending Smith's pain in the surrounding area. But at no point did he say anything like 'it's great to be back and to finally be rid of my problems'. Perhaps he's trying to avoid tempting fate, which I suppose is understandable, but all his comments are about 'being happy to train again but being paranoid his troubles are still there'. He seems very, very insecure about himself - he also mentioned the hip problems he had earlier, and talk about trying to avoid tempting fate: 'hopefully they won't return, but never say never'. It seems to me that psychologically he's been damaged by this, which is predictable given he's still very young. I hope I am not correct, but while he never quite aspired to be the LB equivalent of Mols, I have this notion that his career may go the same way - that the peace of mind which allowed him to play freely before is now gone, and he's terrified every step could lead to another injury. Even besides, when he does come back (if), it could take him many, many months to come close to what he was before. I would hope that the fans won't get on his back, because that will make it even worse for him. Thoughts? I mentioned the exact same a few months ago Danny, it will take him a good while in the first team to get back to match fit, then further still to find that form he had before he got injured, we must be patient, though it may be hard for Walter to persevere with him if he is 'adequate' rather than 'performing well' if we are still pushing on all 4 fronts. Watched him tonight in the reserves , done ok , looks quite a bit away from the 1st team , good to see him on the way back Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny 9 Posted February 5, 2008 Author Share Posted February 5, 2008 I was pleased to hear he'd come through tonight's game in one piece. As has been said, he's some way off the first team, but we have to hope his recovery goes smoothly. Doesn't alter my opening post, but it's something. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlegKuznetsov 10,816 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 For what it's worth, DJ was saying he could be back sooner than expected. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff 245 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 Another 70 minutes tonight. My cousin said he's looking better but still quite a bit away. Just have to be careful and patient with the lad. Break him in gradually. He doesn't seem to shirk a tackle after all that's gone through, I just hope he doesn't push himself too hard. I hope he makes a full recovery for his own sake, he was a f*kn damn good player, he deserves it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaltersGotStyle 160 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 He was the player that I was most excited about and damn nice guy! Hope he recovers quick, great to see him back, but it will take something special to dislodge papac because he is becoming a better left back by every game! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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