Gabbidon glad to be back (From Free Press Series)

Gabbidon glad to be back

12:50pm Monday 6th July 2009

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CWMBRAN Premier League star Danny Gabbidon says his 18-month injury nightmare left him fearing for his career.

The Wales and West Ham defender has been sidelined with a complicated abdominal problem and has not played since January 2008.

However, after training with the national side before May's friendly with Estonia, Gabbidon played in a ceremonial friendly to open Cardiff City's new stadium on Saturday and he is set to return for pre-season training with the Hammers today.

"You do get down and wonder when you're going to get back. But you have to stay positive as negative thoughts don't help," said the 29-year-old former Bluebirds star.

Gabbidon hasn't represented his country since November 2007 and he says it was a hugely significant to train with John Toshack's troops in May.

"That was a really big boost at the end of what has been my hardest time in football," he said.

"Obviously you do get days where you are doing the same work all of the time and wondering if you're getting anywhere - and some days you just don't want to do it.

"My wife has bore the brunt of my frustrations when I used to come home from training miserable and she and my family are the ones who have been there to support and encourage me.

"The players have been great, too. They were all happy to see me back out training at the end of last season, which was nice.

"And the manager keeps asking me when am I coming back so hopefully that will be soon.

"I've had a good physios and medics at West Ham who have worked hard and remained positive.

"But it is tough not being able to do the job that you love and something you take for granted when you're playing regularly.

"What I've gone through makes you stronger mentally as I've been out for a very long time.

"When you see your team-mates playing you want to be out there so it makes you more determined to get back out there with your mates. The experience has made me love the game more."

After Saturday's match, when he lined-up for Lennie Lawrence's all-stars in their 3-1 friendly win with an Eddie May all-star team, Gabbidon said: "My boots are a bit tight as they haven't been worn for so long.

"It's great to have a run out with some old mates before pre-season.

"I'm fit and ready for pre-season and hopefully I'll make a few appearances for West Ham and Wales this season."

Gabbidon now hopes to play in West Ham's first pre-season friendly at Grays on Sunday before reyirning for Wales in their friendly in Montenegro on August 12.

"I'll be back for the start of the season, fingers crossed," he said.

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