Bullard Almost Ready!

It`s been a long time since Jimmy Bullard laced up his boots in anger.

A career threatening injury suffered against Newcastle, in September 2006, saw the unfortunate Jimmy rupture three ligaments and dislocate his knee cap.

It`s been a long road back and despite making a comeback in the reserves this week, it`s anticipated that Jimmy will not return to the first team for another three to four weeks at least.

Nevertheless, the news is encouraging and hopefully it won`t be too long before Jimmy, who was man-of-the-match in two of the four games he played for us last season, is injecting some of that much loved enthusiasm into our performances.

On Thursday evening, the Evening Standard published an exclusive interview with Jimmy and in it he took us through the various phases of his rehabilitation, the initial shock, the boredom, the frustration and the relief that he was finally on his way back.

Here`s what he had to say,

"At the start it wasn`t too bad."

"I would come in, wish the boys luck and watch the game. But midway through my rehab I found it tough. I had to miss games because I was getting depressed."

"I owe so much to Fulham. From the physios and the fans right the way up to the manager everyone has been behind me. My family has been awesome, too. But I still don`t know how I got through it."

"The other week I went away with the boys to Everton. The coach journey was fantastic and I had a bit of banter in the hotel and at the ground. I`ve missed all that massively."

"Rehab was hard, intense, lonely, in the gym at times, but it`s amazing how strong your mind is."

"I concentrated on the legs, strengthening the calves and now my knee feels awesome. I feel like a footballer again"

Anyone who has suffered a bad injury will echo those sentiments; it can be a long, hard road back, even for us mere mortals who never have to attain the level of fitness these professionals have to do.

Therefore, despite our perilous league position, we here at Vital Fulham are walking around with a little smile on our faces this morning, suddenly the doom and gloom has been lifted, our Jimmy is on his way back to rescue our season.