Bad for Ryan
the for ian for ere was and ffer ing get the tice ried and and me nce. I did not play a proper game until July and was back, challenging for high balls like I always had with no ill-effects.
“It’s no fun being out of action for eight months and there were spells when time really dragged, but when I think of what might have happened to me, it’s no time at all.”
Hume can only hope and believe that Mason will eventually make his own comeback. message to Ryan is to stay positive and surround himself with people who will support him,” said Hume. “He will be fine and come back sooner than he thinks.” Hume fractured his skull and suffered internal bleeding but was playing again within eight months.
“Don’t get me wrong, a fractured skull is a serious injury, but it does not have to be career-threatening,” he said.
“Ryan is still a young lad and will want to get back playing as soon as possible. He’ll have a few mental barriers to clear but he’s a strong character and I’ve no doubt he’ll deal with them.” Mason, 25, was well enough yesterday to speak to family and friends from his hospital bed. Hull captain Michael Dawson, right, was among his visitors.
Mason suffered the injury in a clash of heads with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill. Mason will remain in hospital for at least the next few days and no timescale has been put on his recovery.
A club statement said: “Ryan has been visited this morning at St Mary’s Hospital by club captain Michael Dawson, club doctor Mark Waller, head of medical services Rob Price and club secretary Matt Wild. Ryan has been speaking of the incident and will continue to be monitored at the hospital over the coming days, where the club will remain in close contact with Ryan, his family and the staff at St Mary’s.
“Ryan and his family have also been extremely touched by the overwhelming support they have received and would very much like to thank all of those who have posted such positive comments, both on social media and in the press over the last 24 hours.”
The brain injury charity Headway yesterday praised the treatment he received by the medics at Stamford Bridge. Headway chief executive Peter McCabe said: “I was at the match and, while it was upsetting to witness the incident, it was encouraging to see the exemplary reaction of the medical teams. “Headway has been critical of the way in which head injuries have been treated in many highprofile football incidents in recent years, but it is positive to see that lessons appear to have been learnt.”