Gerrard on his freak injury, his teammates' form and 'Samba Gods'

I spent time with injury-stricken Garvary Goldenbear Michael Gerrard during the week and he revealed his desperation to return to first-team action, as well as the 'pure samba' that he has running through his blood.




Hi Mark, firstly I'd like to thank you on behalf of the players for your very good coverage so far.

Thanks Michael, it’s a fantastic club and I’m enjoying every, well, almost every minute of it.

You have been sidelined through injury since the pre-season defeat to Troop Hall. How did you sustain the injury and what was the original diagnosis?

It’s my left ankle, Mark. I received the injury in a freak accident. It was on the night of the team bonding session at Romford Dogs. It was the first time that some of the new signings have socialized with the team and we decided to relax and let the rum and coke flow (freely some-might say!). The whole night was a bit of a blur, but I relate that to the injury. From what I have pieced together, this is how I saw it. After the dogs had finished their races, two other members (not naming names, I'm no grass) of the team and I decided to have our own race on the track, of which I lost. After being walked out of the dogs, I reflected on the race and became frustrated that I had lost. That is just my 100 per cent desire to win. This resulted in me running as fast as I could, to show the new signings I'm not slow. Unfortunately for me, I ran into a good friend of mine and part of the ‘Samba Boys’ Matty Crum G1 (Garvary forward Matt Crumbie). I should have known better as I have seen defenders twice the size of me bounce of his frame. So I bounced off him and, due to me being intoxicated, lost my balance and went over on my ankle. I was very lucky that at our club we have a motto: "Garvary = Family, no Goldenbear left behind!!!" and because of that, two of the lads helped me home. Cheers Stew (Stewart Moore) and Cracker (Craig Childs). So, I went to the hospital in the morning as I was still in pain and my ankle was still very swollen. After an X-ray, I was told that I had a break in my left ankle and a slight displacement, maybe needing surgery. So this wasn't good news, but after a closer X-ray later on, there was no need for an operation.

Do you feel you have let down the club and its loyal supporters given the environment in which the injury occurred?

Yes. I feel I've let myself down, my team mates down and of course the loyal Garvary supporters down. I felt I owe them something personally as last season I wasn't my super-human self. The fans, I love them. I hope they can see the force field that the 'Samba Gods' have blessed me with more this season. People talk of the football I played in the 2007/08 season, which led to me becoming the Manager’s Player of the Year, and that just adds fuel for me to do my upmost for the club to bring in silverware.

How is your rehabilitation coming along?

I was with the doctor on Monday and he was impressed with the way, and the speed, that the bone had recovered. I saw the Physio on Tuesday and all good news from him. Just got to do whatever they tell me and take it slow. I will be partaking in non-contact training hopefully in three weeks, so (I am) raring to go when it comes.

That’s great news. What do you believe you will bring to the team when you finally return to first-team action?

While I’ve been injured, I've had the chance to watch the almighty Goldenbears from the sideline. I can see how I would fit in and I could be the final piece to Ekers’ (Garvary Gaffer Colin Ekers) jigsaw. But this remains to be seen as when all are fit, we have some real quality players fighting all across the middle and up top. I mean names that you hear about, names that roll off the tongue: the Moore brothers, the Reade brothers, Jamie Salmon, Keano (Darren Keane), S.J (Steve Johnson), Dello (Paul Dellow), (Colin) Ekers, (Simon) Rowland, Crum (Matt Crumbie), I can go on and on. But I can't wait to get playing with my ‘Samba Boys’ again. It’s been a long time since we played together. We may have a new member to our ‘Samba 3 Ball’ (Stewart Moore, Matt Crumbie, Me) as well, but we will see if the boy can do it at game time. It’s quality to hear those steel drums from the Graffiti-end when we make that ball smile. SAMBA!

You have been ever-present on the touchline since the start of the campaign in support of your teammates. How frustrating has it been for you?

This is the longest I've been out and it’s so far been a real mental test. I just love to play football. I mean, I've been missing kick-ups! I just started to now so I'm a lot happier. I have pure samba running through my blood, do you understand??? It’s like taking beans away from Craig (a reference to Craig Childs obsession with baked beans), it’s not right! As for watching the boys, it has been brilliant, but nothing compares to coming to the Hall, seeing the Graffiti-end rocking and pulling on the gold shirt, on that note: sorry Chrissy (Chris Reade), you have done the number 10 proud, but that’s my baby. I've got a number 8 for you when I get back (Gerrard blows a kiss).

And finally, what have you made of Garvary’s start to the season?

I've been very impressed with all our players. Skips (Adam Moore) has taken to the role (of being club captain) superbly and I feel he’s playing very well. Dello (Paul Dellow) has started on fire and sometimes looks a class apart. Be good to see Skins (David Skinner) and (Lewis) Sparrow back more often as competition is always healthy I think, and they have strengthened (the side) when they’ve played. Both Reade brothers have shown real class and scored some quality, and important goals. Believe, when Stew returns he can add a different dimension to the team. So (it) all looks good. (It was) Disappointing to lose to Day One twice already, but it will be a different environment for them at the Hall.

Thanks for your time Michael; I wish you a speedy recovery.

Also, I would like to mention a thank you to (club mascot) Galileo Goldenbear for the 'get well soon' Card that was signed by all the players and staff.