West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon admits he feared his career was over during his 18-month spell on the sidelines.

The Wales international has returned to action having missed the whole of last season with an abdominal problem.

Gabbidon came through unscathed in a charity game against his old club Cardiff City yesterday.

And the 29-year-old, who last played for the Hammers in January 2008, confessed he felt depressed while he was out of the game.

"You do get down and wonder when you're going to get back. But you have to stay positive as negative thoughts don't help," he told the club's official website.

"My wife has bore the brunt of my frustrations when I used to come home from training miserable and she and my family are the ones who have been there to support and encourage me.


"It is tough not being able to do the job that you love and something you take for granted when you're playing regularly.

"When you see your team-mates playing you want to be out there so it makes you more determined to get back out there with your mates. The experience has made me love the game more."

The former West Bromwich Albion defender has been at Upton Park for four years, and has played 60 league games.
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