Jason Tindall – One man who will always remember Monday, 2 January 2006 fondly.
The Cherries utility man appeared as a sub in the 1-1 home draw with Scunthorpe at Dean Court on Saturday – almost two years after replacing former Cherry Warren Feeney in the 4th minute of a 1-0 win at Peterborough on Saturday, 24 April 2004.
Jason, who has played most of his Cherry games as a defender, has had to wait nearly 21 months to play again for Bournemouth.
Speaking to BBC Sport Jason said ‘I’ve been waiting for this moment for such a long time,’.
‘Although I was only on the pitch for a short time, it was just great to be back. I’ve put a lot of hard work in trying to get myself fit, but this has made everything worthwhile.’
After an unsuccessful comeback in the 2004 pre-season Tindall missed all of last season season and feared he might not play (for the mighty Cherries) again.
Jason visited Dr Steadman in the US, who is famous for successfully operating on names like Ronaldo, Alan Shearer and Ruud van Nistelrooy, so Jason was getting the very best of care.
‘It was a decision I had to make for my football career, as it was something I’ve always dreamt of since I was a boy, and I wasn’t prepared to throw it away without a fight
But my family have been great – especially my wife Claudine. She’s obviously the closest person to me, but she’s been there for me through thick and thin.
If the rest of the year is as good as today, I’ll be delighted as I just want to get back playing on a regular basis. If I can do that and stay injury-free, I’ll be a very happy man.’
