Rodgers Wants To see Bodde Back In Swansea

Brendan Rodgers says he wants to see Ferrie Bodde finish his rehabilitation in Swansea, as he currently recovers back home in Holland.

The midfielder has suffered a nightmare of knee problems in the last 2 years and there are still fears that his career might not continue as he has twice struggled to return from a ligament injury.

The 28 year-old will have to wait until 2011 before he can be involved in a competitive match again, but despite his injury concerns there's been talks about a new contract for the popular Dutchman.

Brendan Rodgers believes being in Swansea and around his team-mates can help him progress:

'I want to be here for Ferrie every day,'

'I know there are times when it's a lonely road and he can go back to Holland when those times come.

'But for three weeks or three and a half weeks of the month, he will be here working with us and feeling the atmosphere of the group.

'There is a real positive spirit around the players and that can help his rehab mentally.'

Rodgers also told the Evening Post that the 'terrific staff' at the club can help his recovery:

'I have had conversations with Ferrie and he respects where I am coming from,'

'He has done the early part of his rehabilitation in Holland, but I want him to be over here.

'We have got a terrific staff at this club and a great medical team who work very hard.

'I understand there was no-one in the football conditioning role last season, no-one to provide that link between the football side and the medical side.

'But I have addressed that by bringing in Ryland Morgans, someone who has worked at the top level, and that will allow Ferrie to do one-on-one rehab work.

'This could be Ferrie's last chance to be a football player, and I want to give him every chance to succeed.'

Bodde was a big figure in the midfield when he first joined and it didn't take him long to prove his quality - showing a superb range of passing ability as well as excellent eye for goal. Confident at shooting from range and he even scored from 40 yards away at Preston North End. We've missed that and would be a massive boost if Bodde is able to return early next year.

Rodgers added:

'I'm aware of the part Ferrie played in the progress of this club,'

'With him, Darren Pratley and Leon Britton in midfield, Swansea had as strong a three as you can get at that time.

'Losing Ferrie for the last couple of years has been a massive blow for the club, but I want to help him get back.

'I want him to feel part of this club.

'I think there has been talk of a new contract, so the club are showing their commitment.

'I want us to push on with that so Ferrie has that certainty in his mind.'

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