University life has not been all lie-ins and Jeremy Kyle for Peterhead’s Nicky Riley.
As well as juggling his studies for training to become a PE teacher, he also has to rehab a devastating knee injury that has kept him away from football for most of this year.
The seriousness of the damage, picked up in a 3-2 win over Berwick Rangers in January, saw him miss out on a potential job as he was unable to partake in the physical demonstrations that form part of the interview. Fear of a repeat instance is present, if and when Riley gets offered another interview.
Riley said: “I feel it would be a bit touch and go if I did get an interview in the next few weeks. I had one interview and as well as a one-to-one presentation, there’s a practical element to it where you take part in dance and gymnastics.
“I couldn’t do that. I’m in the process of applying again and I’m a bit worried, as it’s still not that strong and I’m not sure I’ll be able to take part.
“I had to get a doctor’s note to get a month off uni. It’s in Glasgow and I’m in Edinburgh, so I couldn’t drive. The operation has been a success but before I can think about getting back I have to get the knee stable again. The surgeon told me I can’t rush it, or the likelihood is it’ll happen again.”
Riley describes hearing a “crunch” in his knee at Berwick’s Shielfield Park, where he knew instantly something was not right. A scan revealed a torn cruciate ligament, as well as meniscal and cartilage damage, with surgery the only option.
He has worked extensively, both on his own in the gym and with Peterhead’s medical team, to aid his recovery, but on his surgeon’s advice he has not put a timescale on when he is likely to kick a ball again.
The psychological aspect of recovering from a long-term injury is one that Riley feels he has yet to confront, with that moment coming when he is involved on a match-day.
Riley said: “I was gutted when it happened as I knew how long the rehab would be. I’ve had good support but at the end of the day, no one else can do the work for you.
“I always say, while it’s difficult it could always be worse. I probably won’t know how it’s affected me until I get back. I feel fine now but it will be when it comes to sitting on the bench, knowing I might be getting on and start questioning if it feels right. There’s times when you don’t feel like you’re making that much forward progress but the only way you’re going to do it is by doing the rehab. There are no shortcuts.”
Recovery is a long and arduous process, one that highlights the chasm between full-time and part-time football.
He added: “I’ve been looked after amazingly by Peterhead and I appreciate all the support, from the club and the board. Michelle (Evans), from the PFA, came up a couple of weeks ago and spoke about ensuring every player leaves a club in the same state they came in. If you were in any other job and it happened, they would have to foot the bill to get whatever you need, as their responsibility as an employer.
“At a full-time club, you’ve probably go private medical teams and rehab daily to make things easier. I understand smaller clubs don’t have the disposable income but players are out there playing for the club.”
Jack Leitch and Jason Brown have proved useful allies in his recovery battle, having experienced similar injuries themselves, but sitting on the outside looking in is not a feeling that sits well.
“I probably hadn’t realised how much I actually miss being involved. Although I’ve been going to training and to games, you don’t feel involved.
“It’s not easy, going every Saturday and watching, but in a good way it makes me want to get back as quick as I can.”
