Crewe Alex: Successful Surgery

Crewe Alexandra’s central midfielder Danny Hollands suffered a hamstring injury, on Valentine’s Day against Wycombe Wanderers, which has transpired to be worse than initially thought. It was revealed a few days ago that Hollands was going to undergo surgery, after it was announced he may not play again this campaign. Many fans were greatly disappointed when they heard that news, myself included.

I said in a previous article, regarding his future at the club, that; ‘Hollands is a player who I’d describe as an ‘unsung hero’. He is not the most elegant of movers on the ball, but is a rock. He is that type of player whom you would notice his contribution more when he isn’t in the team than when he is. Some factors he brings to the team and on to the pitch include; his experience, his passing and his vocal ability to be a true leader in the engine room. If we were to lose Hollands in just over a fortnight, we would (likely) have Bingham and Jones in the middle of the park therefore, we would not just lose Hollands – we would lose experience, ability and a leader. Though Bingham does occasionally get ‘stuck in’, Hollands is by far the best midfielder at defending that we have – that is one reason why his loss would be so damaging. He offers a protection, that the other midfielders can’t offer, to the back four.’ I think I have been proven to be correct, his absence was noticed by many fans at Bloomfield Road (against Blackpool FC). However it is music to my ears to hear what the club have announced today; Hollands ‘may’ return before the end of the season. The official club website, source for quotes, revealed that his operation was successful; and there is a possibility of an early return. It states:

‘Crewe Alexandra captain Danny Hollands has successfully undergone an operation on his injured hamstring. Hollands suffered more of a tendon injury than a grade tear when stretching into a tackle against Wycombe Wanderers, but he has successfully undergone surgery and it is hoped that he will be available for the club again before the season ends on 6th May. ‘

David Artell also told the official website, again source for quotes, “I spoke with Danny on Friday evening and he went for his operation on Saturday morning. I`ve spoken to him since and he will spend a week at home with his ice machine being his best friend.

“The operation went well and the surgeon was pleased with it. The damage in there has been fixed and after his week of recovery, he will up here and coming in for his rehab. He is a great pro and I`m sure he will cracking on and trying to get back before the end of the season.”

Though I believe we are more than capable of surviving without Hollands, I also think it will be harder. We will miss his defensive qualities, especially against the more physical sides. He can also find a crucial pass and is capable of instigating attacks. I hope to see Hollands back in the side sooner rather than later, and I believe my point about him being someone who ‘ I’d describe as an ‘unsung hero’ ‘ will only be emphasised on his return.