davieG Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 The light must be a pinprick in size From the Merc Stephen Clemence has vowed to return to Leicester City action – but he stopped short of setting a deadline. The 31-year-old club captain has had a wretched time with injury for nearly two years. The midfielder said: "It's all been quite stressful as I've set targets which I haven't made, and then I've asked myself 'Is it ever going to be right?' "It's been hard on my family and it's been tough to deal with mentally because this is the longest time I've had out of the game." And, after suffering the disappointment of several false dawns, the former Birmingham and Tottenham midfielder is now reluctant to set a time-scale for his return to first-team action. "It's a slow process but every month there is some progression and I'm working very hard," he said. "It means a lot of strength work in the gym and I was back while the boys were off in the summer. "I then do some light jogging outside and a bit of ball work, but I do tend to get a bit of reaction the next day. "All I can do is remain positive and keep working hard. "I want to be training with the lads and competing with them for a place in the team, and that's been tough to deal with mentally because this is the longest time I've had out of the game." Clemence, who joined City in a £700,000 move from St Andrews in July 2007, admits it was a "difficult pre-season" when he arrived at the Walkers Stadium. He said: "When Martin Allen was here, we didn't have a settled team and we were not sure if our jobs were safe. "The first eight or so games were fine but then I picked up a calf strain and after that I needed injections in my heel to get through games." In March, he was forced out of a handful of matches before returning to the side for a clash with S****horpe at the end of the month. Clemence said: "I remember being on the bench and, as I went on to the pitch as a substitute, I felt my Achilles tear. I heard it ping." That ended Clemence's season and an operation a month later failed to correct the damage. As he remained sidelined, City crashed out of the Championship. He went back under the knife last October and said: "I knew it was a serious operation. The surgeon had to take the Achilles off the heel-bone, clear out the rubbish and then sew it back on. He also had to shave some of the bone off the heel. "The surgeon was happy with the operation but I knew it was going to be a long job. I'm due a visit soon to see him again." Clemence said it was disappointing to be reduced to the role of spectator as City regained their Championship status last season, but he said: "I'm back in a happy place again. We all know looking back there was too much change at the club. "But I'm sure we will do well in the Championship. We've got some new players who have fitted in nicely and I'm sure there will be one or two more to come." Leicester City continue their build-up to the season with a friendly at Kings Lynn this afternoon (3.0). With most of the first-team squad returning from their training camp in Slovenia yesterday, there are likely to be some more outings for young players.
StanSP Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it leads straight into another tunnel. Sorry, can't see him staying around for much longer.
Cropwellfox Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 The light must be a pinprick in size Not sounding at all good for the guy, sounds very similar to what players like Jones and Eadie were saying shortly before they packed in.
teblin Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 Shame really, despite what some may say Clemence is a decent footballer. Must be really frustrating, and he prob did the damage playing when he shoudn't of done trying to keep us up.
jimmer Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 This is a big shame, this long out the game and he's still getting a reaction. Although I hope he does, I really can't see him getting over this. Decent bloke and good footballer. Asked to play though the pain barrier to try and save us and its prob ended his career. Good luck Clem
Collymore Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 If he could get back to full fitness then he would certainly be a contender, sometimes a serious injuy in a players career can actually help extend their career as they are reducing werar and tear in other areas. That article doesn't fill me with confidence though. Good luck though Clem.
Fox92 Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 Think he may retire and it's a shame as well. He has played for three wonderful clubs in Spurs, Birmingham and of course, Leicester. He is a good footballer and it is a shame that it has ended his career in this way. Good look to Clemence though
MPH Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 All depends on how much he wants it... Insurance is probably paying his wages so doesnt really make a difference to us how long it takes him to recover... Dont give up, Clem...
Ultra Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 Not sounding at all good for the guy, sounds very similar to what players like Jones and Eadie were saying shortly before they packed in. This.
Daggers Posted 18 July 2009 Posted 18 July 2009 In other words, forget about Clemence. Words, I believe, someone has been saying all of last season along with "we will never see him play in a City shirt again".
Heart-Shaped Fox Posted 19 July 2009 Posted 19 July 2009 I did rate Clemence but I can't see a way forward for him. He got badly injured like Kisnorbo, and got injured again. Even if he managed to get on the bench like Kisnorbo did I can't see much hope for him i am afraid as there is just to much competition for places in the midfield, and there is also the fact that Kisnorbo was in his 20s with more time on his side which is unfortunately not the case with Clem. I admire him for not giving up though and hope he can get through it.
DANGEROUS TIGER Posted 20 July 2009 Posted 20 July 2009 Another of the seemingly permanent injury brigade. Not his fault, but I still cant see him getting back on a regular basis. When fully fit, he is still a frustrating player to watch. Seems to make wrong options, big time.
Jordan Posted 21 July 2009 Posted 21 July 2009 His career could be over. That article is pretty ambiguous about any return to full match fitness. It's not fun to have a career cut short by injuries, and good luck to him in his comeback bid. However, NP has several better options in midfield at this point and Clem's play in 06/07 didn't really inspire me (and probably a lot of others here if they want to go back and read comments here from that awful season) enough to hope he'd be able to regain his starting spot.
Guest Posted 21 July 2009 Posted 21 July 2009 There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it leads straight into another tunnel. Sorry, can't see him staying around for much longer. The light at the end of the tunnel is a train heading straight for him
Dr The Singh Posted 21 July 2009 Posted 21 July 2009 The light at the end of the tunnel is a train heading straight for him I think it's time to call it a day!!!!
Guest Posted 21 July 2009 Posted 21 July 2009 I think it's time to call it a day!!!! Never, there's plenty of shit jokes still to be made in this thread
Dr The Singh Posted 21 July 2009 Posted 21 July 2009 Never, there's plenty of shit jokes still to be made in this thread
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