Source: FOOTYMAD
Drugs Don't Work For Mensing
Simon Mensing will be checking everything he eats or drinks in future Simon Mensing is enjoying every moment of action after his career was under threat to be ended prematurly after being accussed of using the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine in January. He was deemed ineligible to play for Hamilton for four weeks before e was able to prove he had ingested the substance through a legitimate but contaminated dietary supplement. Mensing was helpless on the sidelines as Hamilton saw their deficit at the bottom of the table extend to 12 points after St Mirren followed up their win over Accies last weekend with anoher win over Aberdeen. However, the versatile player vowed to continue battling against relegation ahead of Sunday's game against Rangers - just as he did the threat of a lengthy ban from the game he loves. Mensing said:"I like to think I put in 100% whatever I do and I do appreciate it. But when something like that comes along and it nearly gets taken away from you, it does make you think. I'm just glad to be back playing football, it does make you appreciate what I nearly lost." Mensing received the shock news from UK Anti-Doping just after the birth of his second son. He went on: "It was the day after my missus and the little man got home from the hospital, I got a letter and I thought 'they've got the wrong person'. I don't think I quite comprehended the situation and looked into it and realised it could be anything up to two years. The worst thing is when you are innocent, you just think 'how can this be happening?' It was difficult but I had support from the club and my family to help me through it." Mensing believes players need more guidelines on doping regulations, but he will take no chances in the future. The former St Johnstone and Motherwell player said: "I think there needs to be an education plan from SPL down to the Third Division. I would recommend not to touch a supplement, that's my opinion with hindsight. Before that I was taking supplements like other players. But there certainly has to be a programme to educate players not just in what they can and can't take, the risks in taking them." Mensing returned to action at the end of February and, although his legal battle cost him a five-figure sum, he feels he has put the episode behind him as much as possible. He said: "Obviously financially I'm trying to recoup that and will be doing that for some time. Mentally it was arguably the worst month of my life. But it's behind me. When I play and train, I don't think about it. I'm glad the episode is over but with the financial loss I incurred, that's certainly not going to disappear." Mensing found himself out of action again for the crucial defeat against the Buddies after being sent off against St Johnstone the previous week. Hamilton lost a deserved half-time lead to go down 3-1 and Mensing is determined to go down fighting if they lose their SPL status. He said: "Watching from the sidelines was hard. At half-time we were buzzing, we were comfortable, and at the end of the game we were distraught. It's still mathematically possible so we have to keep on going and with the characters we have in the dressing room we will certainly be doing that. We are going to be fighting for every point. I'm sure people are thinking 'that's them done and dusted' and, considering we have only won two games, I can understand that. But there are points available and we are capable of getting them. Come Sunday the pressure is off to an extent and we can play without fear."
