HOBAN FOR BUSINESS
Tom reveals fitness return was a DIY cash job
TOMMIE HOBAN admits some faith healing and allowing his heart to rule his head secured a career lifeline at Aberdeen.
The 26-year-old has battled back from two knee injuries which almost bust the bank as he dipped into his savings to ensure a recovery now paying dividends with the Dons.
After suffering the double whammy of a second lengthy spell on the sidelines due to damage during a loan spell at Pittodrie from Watford last year, Hoban insists paying for his own rehab is proving to be worth every penny.
He said: “It was very tough, I’ve had a lot of injuries in the past but doing the rehab without a club is hard.
“It was more challenging than before, especially as I had to have a second operation around one year ago.
“The knee wasn’t right and to not have a team was tough as well.
“There were a lot of long days in the gym, there were no teammates, I just went to Virgin Active and went to see a physio on my own twice a week and f o l l owed a programme.
“It was very tough, I wasn’t trying to keep belief in myself with an end goal in mind.
“I knew once I had the operation and if given the opportunity I could get back into the game.
“I knew I was good enough so I kept that belief. I’m grateful and thankful to have this opportunity. grateful to them for helping me get back playing.” The former Republic of Ireland youth international has had praise heaped on him from boss Derek McInnes for the impact he’s made to the Dons defence during an impressive start to the season. He signed an extension to the short-term deal he agreed in January, which will take him to next summer. With a trip to Dundee United “I funded the physio myself looming this afternoon, Hoban and the PFA did give me some is determined to repay the club help at stages. The majority I by ensuring they’ve something paid for myself. to celebrate this term. “I saw it as an investment in He said: “I’m very happy to myself, without the help of have signed on for the rest of physios it’s near enough the season. It’s something I’ve impossible to come wanted to happen and the club back from the type had to make sure I was fully fit. of injury I had. “I needed to know that “I needed to get myself but I’m playing games the same level of and feeling good so hopefully care I would have can make it a special season. had at a club and “The club have been I was thankful to fantastic with me in the have some good process of getting fit, they gave physios over that me the option to come back 18 months. here and help with my rehab “I ’m as it was obviously difficult BACKING
“I’m just looking forward to playing football and enjoying it again.
getting back. Once I was fit, the offer was to come back, train and regain my fitness and that was something I jumped at.
“I’m delighted the club have given me the opportunity and I want to pay them back.
“I want to get minutes on the pitch and help Aberdeen to have a successful season, which I’m confident we can have.”
Hoban revealed his financial adviser father John was the rock he leaned on as he battled back to fitness.
He said: “My dad’s been a massive influence. I owe him so much. He’s taught me so much about mental strength.
“As much as financial advisers are level-headed and sensible guys, he knows how much I’ve put into being a footballer as it’s been my whole life.
“If I’d just given up after everything I’d done it would have been the wrong decision.
“He’s always believed in me as much as I believe in myself.
“Most players return after nine months from the injury I had but I was seven months in and still in a lot of pain.
“I felt like I was going around in circles but I knew from previous injuries your body eventually sorts itself out.”
Boss Derek McInnes