AFC Bournemouth
A total of 371 days have passed since Holly Humphreys last featured for the AFC Bournemouth women’s first team.
She was forced off with a serious knee injury during the early stages of her team’s 7-2 home victory over Portishead Town at Ringwood Community Hub.
At just 16 years of age, the talented teenager underwent major surgery having had her knee reconstructed, due to rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament.
But having taken positive steps since going under the knife back in May, the determined defender is poised to make a return to the ranks for Steve Cuss’s side.
Humphreys got her first taste of match action while representing the club’s development squad last weekend.
Now, the 17-year-old could be set to feature in the first-team group for their Adopt South Hampshire Women's Senior Cup semi-final against Moneyfields at Chichester’s Oaklands Park on Sunday (2pm kick-off).
“I am excited. It’s been over a year now and to be getting back playing. I have been really looking forward to it for a while,” Humphreys told afcb.co.uk.
“I have worked really hard every day, doing things that you don’t really enjoy doing.
“Especially at the start when I couldn’t really walk. I was on crutches and there were some boring exercises, like just bending your knee.
“As soon as it didn’t hurt any more, I wanted the next thing.
“When I was able to walk, I could then run. Then when I could run, I was bored of running until I could kick a football. Then I was bored of that and wanted to always do the next thing.
“It was really hard to keep myself back and wait until I was cleared to do the next step.
“As soon as I could do squats, it was a case of doing the most squats to know that the next time I went, they could move me on to the next step to get back playing.”
While going through the processes to rehabilitate following the injury, Humphreys made sure she was with her teammates every step of the way.
The youngster would attend every training session and matchday, even while on crutches to remain close to the squad, something she felt helped her take her mind off the injury she was faced with.
She explained: “I think just being there and around everyone kind of distracted you from your situation.
“That you could still be part of the team and feel happy for everyone else and how the team were doing at the time, instead of thinking you were injured and couldn’t play.
“I had people messaging me all the time, asking me if I was alright and how appointments were going. They were really supportive.”
Humphreys had been working in one-to-one sessions with manager Cuss and assistant Matt Divine – putting in extra hours to make sure she was ready to return to the field in the best condition.
Then, after all her hard work and support, she was given the green light to return to full training alongside her peers.
“I was really excited when they said I was allowed to contact train again. I couldn’t wait,” said the Cherries academy product.
“I’d like to thank Steve and Matt for giving up so much time every week, doing one-to-ones with me, that has really helped.
“I’d also like to thank my mum for driving me to every training, when I couldn’t even play. Just sitting in the car and waiting!
“Also, my grandparents. They came to every single game, even though I wasn’t playing, to cheer on the team.”
She added: “To get a few minutes would definitely mean a lot after being out for so long. Just to be back playing and getting to wear my shirt again.”
Cuss has seen Humphreys progress through the ranks with the Cherries from under-10 level, having earned her first-team debut four days after turning 16.
And he is delighted to see the defender prepared for her comeback.
He said: “I am really proud of Holly. The injury to any player is a tough one to take.
“She has managed herself really well. Has been very professional through that process.
“She has been itching to move on to the next stage and we have had to hold her back a little bit, particularly over the past few weeks as we get the all-clear that she can actually go back into competitive football.
“I think it says a lot about Holly as a person that she didn’t miss any of the training sessions.
“She was there on crutches during the freezing cold evenings, not being able to do much but wanted to be in and around the team. I think that’s really helped her and we are all very proud of her.
“She got a big welcome and a round of applause from the team when it was announced that she was allowed to play again.
“Hopefully now we can get her back onto the pitch and she can be a great addition to the squad for the rest of the season.”
