Source: Northern_Echo
Matthew Bates
Middlesbrough midfielder Matthew Bates has joined The Northern Echo as a new football columnist. Today, in the first of a series of fortnightly columns, the Stockton-born star talks about his trip to America to beat the injury that will keep him out of action for the rest of the season.[LNB] I'LL be honest, the last four-and-a-half months have been hell. From the high of signing a three-year contract in June I went to the low of rupturing the cruciate ligament in my left knee in a pre-season game against Carlisle.[LNB] Before the game, I wasn't happy with the length of the grass, something I also questioned before a game at Darlington when I ruptured my left knee for the first time. I'll be very wary going into pre-season friendlies in the future.[LNB] YOU go through all sorts of emotions being injured.[LNB] It's difficult to say what you feel devastation, shock, tears, anger and depression are just a few feelings you have to cope with.[LNB] I had nothing to do for about six weeks after my injury, and I have to admit there were times when I felt sorry for myself. I had to decide between sitting at home and feeling depressed, or going out and having a drink with my mates to forget about things. Sometimes, the latter won.[LNB] That's all stopped now.[LNB] Once I had the operation, I knew I had to totally stop drinking and concentrate on getting my knee better.[LNB] That's what I've done.[LNB] Maybe going out to forget was a sign of weakness I don't know, but thankfully it's all in the past.[LNB] THE first six weeks after my operation were very frustrating. I was on crutches and had a brace on, and wasn't allowed to put any weight on my leg.[LNB] I was given a machine to use for six weeks, and it moved my leg for eight hours a day to mobilise it.[LNB] I ended up moving back into my mam's because I live in an apartment and just getting up and down the stairs became an event.[LNB] She was brilliant with me she makes a wonderful coffee.[LNB] Six weeks after my operation, I could get back into the gym, but only very slowly at first. I was back at the training ground every day, but it's hard watching the lads training when you're wandering into the gym for the millionth time.[LNB] I had to keep reminding myself of the final goal, and that's where my trip to America comes in.[LNB] I ARRIVED in Rutland, Vermont last week, fresh from an encouraging consultation with Andy Williams in London.[LNB] Andy was the surgeon who operated on me three months prior. The threemonth stage is a milestone I've been looking forward to reaching because it allows me to massively step up my rehab.[LNB] I'll be spending the next three weeks in Rutland, and also coming back for a further six weeks of my rehab because I'm working with renowned knee specialist Bill Knowles.[LNB] Rutland is a hugely popular ski resort, but you won't see me going up the ski lifts. A snowball fight is as much fun as I'll be having in the snow.[LNB] I'VE been doing two sessions a day with Bill, either in the pool or the gym, and it's been a hugely beneficial week. I can already see improvements in all aspects of my rehab, and more importantly so can Bill.[LNB] One of the main reasons I've come here is for a fresh approach, and that's what I'm getting. Bill has already identified weaknesses, and weaknesses are good in a strange way. If you don't identify weaknesses, what is there to work on and improve[LNB] Bill has worked with a lot of top athletes from all around the world, walking into his gym you see pictures of athletes ranging from skiers to American football players.[LNB] He has most recently worked with Tiger Woods, who he still continues to work with. If Bill's good enough for Tiger, he's good enough for me.[LNB]
