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George Hall opens up on Birmingham City torment and loan turning point
George Hall is starting to trust his body again after 12 months of injury torment at Birmingham City – and Walsall are reaping the rewards.
The talented 20-year-old is stringing games together for the League Two promotion hopefuls and made his first start in two months on Tuesday as they defeated Shrewsbury Town 3-0 in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. Walsall’s victory saw them top Blues’ group.
Hall netted his first goal in 18 months against Shrewsbury after recording two assists in recent weeks. The last goal Hall scored came against Sunderland in April 2023 on the day his hamstring troubles started.
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Every time Hall appeared to be nearing a comeback for Blues last season he would suffer a relapse. As a result, Hall only made eight appearances as a substitute in the Championship across 2023/24 and played a total of 133 minutes.
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“There’s been a lot of ups and downs and I’ve been inconsistent with my game time,” Hall told BBC WM. “It’s been quite difficult but I’ve had good people around me to keep me level-headed and pushing hard. I knew that eventually I would get over it so I’m hoping to now push on and continue to do what I’m doing.
“It’s hard because you see everyone else your age pushing on and not getting injured and getting rewarded. It’s hard watching from the sidelines, especially seeing your team lose or even do well, it’s hard to not feel part of it. I’m happy to think I’m over that now and I can continue what I was doing before.”
On his few cameos for Blues last term, Hall appeared to be playing within himself, probably through fear of overstretching. Hall is now confident enough to open up and use his speed.
“It’s nice to have that belief in myself and my body, not having to hold back and be worried about getting injured and pulling up,” added Hall. “That has been the most important thing for me in the last few months, getting the confidence back in my body. I knew technically, on the ball, I would be alright but it’s about opening up and believing in myself that I can run up and down like I used to.”
In Walsall manager – and former Blues defender – Mat Sadler, Hall has found someone determined to help him reboot his career. Hall has thus far played a small role in Walsall’s surge to second in League Two but there is still two thirds of the campaign to play.
“He’s been great,” Hall said of Sadler. “He knows how tough it has been for me so he eased me in. I’m just grateful for the opportunity he has given to me.”
