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Footballer’s brain injury at wedding

Danielle Robinson
10/10/2007

ONE OF Ashton United’s key players has been seriously injured in a fall at a friend’s wedding in Slovenia.

Centre forward Gareth Richards is believed to have fallen 6ft off a wall sustaining a severe brain injury on Thursday.

He underwent three brain scans after the accident which identified a small level of blood on his brain.

As we went to press, doctors were keeping the 21 year old heavily sedated but hoped to bring him round yesterday (Wednesday).

Ashton manager Danny Johnson received an email on Friday evening from Gareth’s parents, Dave and Gaynor, about the accident and has been updating fans of his progress via the club’s website.

He said: "I am sure we will see Gareth back in Ashton United colours before too long. His attitude since joining the club has been second to none and his dedication and desire to succeed will stand him in good stead as he recovers in hospital.

"On behalf of all the management and players may I take this opportunity to wish Gareth a full and speedy recovery."

Gareth is currently in a stable condition and slowly improving.

It is expected he will remain in Slovenia for the immediate future, but is likely to return to England by train as the pressure on his brain may make it unsuitable for him to fly.

Danny told the Advertiser: "His parents are grateful for all the support and I have told them I will do anything I can for his welfare.

"At the moment, it is just about taking things day by day."

l Stable: Gareth Richards, right, during a game against Lincoln United in September is expected to improve slowly