Michael Doughty is thrilled to be back at SN1 and is now focusing all of his energies on getting back fighting fit ready for action.
The midfielder hasn’t featured for Town since the 2-0 defeat to Oxford in early September after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix, a complicated procedure that required him to remain in hospital for a week.
But after making a full recovery, Doughty was back at The County Ground earlier today to undergo a full assessment by the club’s medical staff as he looks to gradually make his return to first-team action.
“It has been a tough few weeks for me having to be away. I’m a professional footballer and that’s what I love doing so it has not only been a difficult time health wise, but it has also been a bit boring,” he told swindontownfc.co.uk.
“I’m pleased to just be able to come in now and hopefully get on the road to full recovery.
“I was in the hospital for a week and I probably underestimated how I would feel after the operation.
“The nature of my appendicitis meant that I was a little bit prolonged in my recovery, but the people at the hospital were fantastic with me, the surgeon was really great and very skilled and I’m feeling very lucky to be back here to hopefully get back on the road to contributing to the team.”
After spending a week in hospital following his operation, Doughty wanted to pay tribute to the staff who had looked after him and to nurses and doctors in general.
“Personally, and I think we all do, when you are feeling good and carrying on with your life day-to-day you underestimate how important general health is,” he added.
“When you are in the hospital having an operation or whatever, whether it’s minor, major or something far more serious, you don’t necessarily comprehend when you feel vulnerable how important it is to have people around you who care.
“Ultimately, the people at the hospital were so gracious with every request and they made you feel very safe and comfortable.
“They were fantastic people and it is a very selfless vocation that they do. Not many people could do that and they deserve a lot of respect and admiration for that.”
While he is eager to jump straight back into action, Doughty is determined to ease himself back in order to make sure he’s 100% fit when he gets back on the pitch.
“I’ve been under general anaesthetic, had an operation which was probably more difficult than a standard appendix operation, I was then in hospital for a week and since the date of the operation I haven’t actually done anything fitness related because I was told to rest completely,” he continued.
“We obviously have to see how fit or unfit I am. I am obviously chomping at the bit to play but I need to be 100% fit.
“I owe it to the fans, to the team and to the club to be 100% fit.”
