Ethan Laird Reveals Conversation with Chris Davies and Selfish Recovery Approach
Birmingham City defender Ethan Laird has opened up about his challenging injury recovery and the crucial conversation he had with manager Chris Davies during his six-month absence from the pitch. The right-back made his return to the starting lineup in Birmingham's 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, marking his first start since September last year.
The Long Road Back from Hamstring Surgery
Speaking after his comeback match, Laird detailed the difficulties of recovering from the worst injury of his career. The explosive full-back tore his hamstring during Birmingham's 3-0 defeat to Coventry City in September, requiring surgery that kept him sidelined for twenty-seven consecutive games.
"I'm no stranger to the treatment room," Laird admitted. "I've made peace with injuries being part of my playing style, but this was different. This was a longer absence than anything I've experienced before."
During his rehabilitation, Laird revealed he spent approximately four hours daily in the gym, working harder than when he was actually playing matches. "People won't know this, but you work harder when you're not playing than when you are," he explained. "It's a lot. Having surgery and starting from step one was really weird for me."
The Conversation with Manager Chris Davies
Laird disclosed that manager Chris Davies approached his return cautiously, not wanting to risk re-injury to a player who has been influential since his appointment. "He told me he didn't want to push me but made it clear he needed me as well," Laird shared about their conversation.
The defender emphasized the personal responsibility he felt during his recovery. "It's my body, it's my career. Regardless of what happens with Birmingham, at the end of the day it's going to be me that suffers or progresses because of my decisions," Laird stated.
He continued: "We had a great conversation. I told him, 'Look, I'm ready when you need me.' He wanted to make sure I was OK. Sometimes when I'm on the bench I'm thinking, 'I could affect this,' but at the same time you have to understand your body and the team."
The Necessity of Being Selfish
Laird admitted that during his recovery, he had to adopt a selfish mindset to regain his fitness and happiness. "There's a part of that time when it's just about yourself. You need to try and get your happiness back," he confessed.
The isolation of rehabilitation proved particularly challenging for the normally social player. "Obviously your schedule is different. They're travelling away, you're still in by yourself. It's hard, it really is hard, I can't sugar-coat it," Laird revealed.
However, he found motivation in small milestones. "When I was outside running I felt like myself again. I could be around the lads a bit more. But when you get to step back onto the pitch all that energy comes out."
Infectious Return Against QPR
Deployed at left-back due to Kai Wagner's injury, Laird displayed no hesitation during his return against Queens Park Rangers - a club he previously spent time with on loan. His energetic performance demonstrated why Birmingham missed his presence during their difficult periods in December and recent three-game losing streak.
"It's a weird feeling," Laird described his return. "You're full of joy and just want the ball all the time. You just want to make up for the time lost and almost feel bad for your teammates because they've had to play without me. I know I can give them energy."
Beyond his on-field contributions, Laird's return provides a significant boost to team morale. As a larger-than-life character who inspires positivity, his absence was particularly felt in October when Birmingham were trying to haul themselves out of a difficult period.
The defender concluded with optimism about his future contributions: "There'll be a gap for you to affect it eventually and I was able to start the game. I had to be mentally resilient through this process, and now I'm ready to help the team move forward."
