Solly March: 'Visualising return helped me through toughest moments'
Solly March says he is in a ‘much better place’ physically and mentally, after finally returning to action, following a prolonged knee injury lay-off.
The 31-year-old was introduced on 81 minutes on Sunday (March 1) – as Albion beat Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. March replaced Diego Gomez and made his first outing since April 2025 after persistent knee injuries.
The winger hasn’t played regularly since 2023.
“It’s great to be back out there and involved again,” March said. “I had a few issues with my knee and it didn’t really respond to training or playing, which wasn’t sustainable long term, so I had to get that sorted.
"It’s taken a while to get to where I am now, but it’s in a much better place. Hopefully I can stick out there, keep training, keep playing and keep contributing more and more.”
March revealed he had to undergo further surgery after briefly returning to first-team action last season.
“At the end of last season I played against West Ham – my first start since coming back – and the week after my knee was really swollen,” he said.
"I didn’t feel pain, but there was a lot of damage in the knee that needed fixing, so I had to go in again. That’s all sorted now and it seems to be in a much better place.”
Having endured a long and at times frustrating rehabilitation, March says he is now taking a more measured approach.
He explained: “I’m just taking it step by step and probably listening to it a bit more. It’s in a much better place now. I can train without getting any issues, so hopefully I’m in a better place for the future.
"[It affected me] mentally more than anything. It’s draining doing the same thing over and over. But I just want to play football, so I’ve got to put the work in.”
Supporters gave the winger a rousing reception on his return – something he admitted provided a significant lift after months on the sidelines.
“It’s a nice feeling,” March said. “I really appreciate that. I’ve been out a long time and for them to treat me so well is great to hear. It gives me a boost and a lift.”
There had been suggestions March might first build fitness with the under-21s, but the forward said the intensity of first-team training had prepared him sufficiently.
“I’ve just been training really hard. Training is really intense – maybe even more intense than some under-21 games. When we train 11v11 and play full matches midweek, it’s really hard and intense and it replicates games well.
"I’ve been doing that for a few weeks, felt good and responded well, so hopefully I can keep pushing.”
Rebuilding strength was also a key part of March’s recovery after previously admitting he had lost muscle mass.
The 31-year-old from Eastbourne added: “There was a lot of strength and gym work to get the muscle back and get the quad firing again. It took a long time – probably longer than expected – but I just worked hard and got to where I am.
"Trying to visualise your return helps. The more effort and work you put in, the closer that day gets – even though sometimes it feels like it never will. [The reception from the Albion fans] does make it all worth it.”
March is a homegrown talent and fans have had to patient as well to see their man back on the pitch.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler told Sussex World: "I know that it means a lot for him, because I know what this club means for him.
"He plays now for a long time for Brighton, he's a Brighton boy and therefore we're all pleased that he's back in his shape.”
Hurzeler did though admit that he will be patient with March and said there is still plenty of work for him to do.
He added: "He's not in his best shape, this will need time, we have to be patient. We have to go step by step, but I think today was the first good step."