'Stronger' - Walsall wing-back Mason Hancock on how he used his spell out wisely
Walsall left wing-back Mason Hancock insists he has learned a lot during his spell out injured.
Hancock, who joined from Airdrieonians last summer, had made only four appearances for the club when he dislocated his knee during the Saddlers' 1-0 home defeat against Grimsby Town in August.
He made his long-awaited comeback when he played 64 minutes in their 4-2 loss at Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy on Wednesday night.
Although Hancock would've preferred to have been on the pitch, he has revealed that he was able to use his time wisely away from the action.
'I do have more of an understanding' - Hancock on the power of spectating
"As much as I was a fan in the stands for the last few months, it hasn't been a total waste of time," Hancock said.
"I've been able to spectate, have a good view of things and get more of an understanding for the system.
"Because it was early days when I was injured. As much as I feel I was getting used to the system, you're still a new player and there's still a lot to learn.
"Being in the stands, as much as I want to be out there, it has done me some good and I'm hoping to show that now I'm back on the pitch.
"I've also been able to get a lot stronger in the gym and I do have more of an understanding of how this system works."
Hancock worked alongside long-term absentee Harry Williams (Achilles) in the treatment room and was soon joined by Harrison Burke in October.
Support was key during recovery
Burke also made his return from a knee issue at Northampton and Hancock benefitted from the support the pair offered him during his rehabilitation.
He added: "That's just the mentality of the whole place from the staff behind the scenes that you guys don't get to see to the players that we all see on the pitch.
"That's the mentality throughout Walsall Football Club and for the likes of Harry Williams and Harrison Burke.
"Harrison works hard every single day in the gym, he leaves there with no regrets and is a really good athlete.
"And with Harry, I've never seen somebody with that sort of mentality. He has had such a tough injury and he is seriously on the right track.
"To have those two people around me, it only makes it easier for me, and every single person at this club has made it easier for me."
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