In his first competitive appearance in seven months, Hanley made a significant milestone in his recovery from an Achilles injury. Starting for Alan Neilson’s side, Hanley was later replaced by young prospect Charlie Wilson in a planned change. The match against Premier League 2 table toppers Tottenham Hotspur ended with a 4-3 defeat for Hanley’s side. Despite the loss, Hanley saw this game as an important step in his progress towards full fitness.
Reflecting on his return to the pitch, Hanley acknowledged the quality of the opponent and felt that he was tested and exposed at times during the game. However, he saw it as a positive experience and a big marker in his rehabilitation. Wearing the kit and playing against an opponent in a competitive game was different from training, and Hanley believed this match provided a step up from his typical training sessions.
Although he received a yellow card for a mistimed tackle in the first half, Hanley felt that fitness-wise he had no issues during the game. He expressed that he had faced tougher training sessions and emphasized that the biggest challenge was getting his eye back in. Hanley recognized that as a center-back, it was crucial to regain his timing and distances on the pitch.
Overall, Hanley’s return to competitive football was seen as a major achievement on his road to recovery. Despite the defeat, he felt positive about his performance and believed that this match marked an important milestone for him personally. Hanley’s focus now is on continuing to progress and regain his form in order to contribute to his team’s success.
