MY injury woes of late have been well documented in this column and I find it cathartic to be able to communicate to the people of Leeds, however dull this may be to some of them, about such concerns and other issues that bother me.
Perhaps the YEP could consider renaming the column "Willstrop's weekly whinge", a term several "friends" have used recently when referring to my articles.
The intention when writing is not to moan, but to inform and give an insight into the spo
rt.
The dreaded injury issues have not subsided, unfortunately. the ankle flared up again whilst playing a Premier League match for Pontefract on Tuesday. Regaining the confidence to let go and move normally has been difficult, for after a real test it didn't hold up.
I'm seeing my physio, Ali, more than I see my front room right now and if it was up to me to pay the bill, I would be struggling.
This crucial treatment is something that is provided through the funding of Sport England and England Squash and I am very glad to be able to have it.
This kind of support, which the squash players benefit so much from, is one of the reasons why this country is producing more and more world-class sportsmen and women.
After Tuesday it was back to the drawing board, which is frustrating after we had felt that headway was being made.
I was given a cortisone injection last Thursday and I'll hold my hands up and say that my behaviour immediately prior to receiving the injection was pathetic.
Needles aren't my thing. I was a hair's breadth from fainting and the sweat emitting from my body was hideous.
The actual pain itself amounted to very little, but the thought of the needle caused me all sorts of problems.
I suppose the most frustrating fact is that it is not known how long the injury will persist for all you want to do is train. However, rest is all that's allowed.
It is, of course, disappointing and irritability sets in, mainly because I care.
After this initial period, though, it is important to find perspective and realise that injuries are part of the deal.
Athletes have their careers ruined by far more serious injuries than mine.
The physios were telling me the other day how they treat patients whose sole target is to put one foot in front of the other and this makes my ankle injury seem completely inconsequential.
Let's hope it does clear soon, though, if only for the readers of this column!
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