Source: Team_Talk
Van Damme knows all about Prem
Wolves left-back Jelle van Damme knows what to expect in the coming season as all he watched on TV in Belgium was Premier League matches.[LNB] The 26-year-old, who moved to Molineux earlier this summer, is hoping for a happier experience in England's top tier having endured a torrid, injury-plagued spell with Southampton in 2004-05.[LNB]The Belgium international was out for several months with an ankle injury, as the Saints were relegated amid the chaos of playing under three different managers.[LNB]Van Damme told the Express & Star: "I was only 20 at the time. I was too young and all alone and I didn't have the right people around me to guide me through. I injured my ankle in December and I came back too soon.[LNB]"Then there was a new gaffer - Harry Redknapp - and I was in Belgium doing my rehabilitation.[LNB]"He told me to come back and I wanted to come back too quickly and after two months I played one game and I needed another operation.[LNB]"The injuries followed each other and I was out for a few more months and by the end of the season, we'd had three gaffers.[LNB]"The problem was that every gaffer wanted his own players. At the end of the season they had about 45 players, which was too much.[LNB]"By the end of the season I was fit, but they were relegated and at that moment I was ready to move.[LNB]"So I went to Werder Bremen on loan for a year and then after that I went to Anderlecht for four years.[LNB]"But it was still a good experience for me even though I only played nine games."[LNB]Now a dad and husband, van Damme added: "I'm older and more experienced, so it's all different now. I've got a house near the training ground which is handy so I can get used to the area.[LNB]"My wife and our eight-month-old baby are with me, so it's an exciting time for me and the family.[LNB]"It's not too far from Belgium, but it's a new experience for them as well and I'm happy to be here.[LNB]"Coming back was an easy decision because over in Belgium, all I watched on TV over there was the Premier League."
