Pic: Southport FC
SOUTHPORT have confirmed that captain Josh Thompson faces a long road to recovery after suffering a serious injury to his patella on Saturday.
The 25-year-old defender, who is in his second season with the Saundgrounders, was taken to hospital after going down in the FA Trophy match against Wealdstone.
After receiving treatment for the pain, Thompson was discharged but he attended a specialist in Bolton on Sunday, where he was set to have “major reconstructive surgery”.
The National League club are already planning fundraising events for the defender, who joined Port from Tranmere Rovers in the summer of 2015.
Thompson started his career at Stockport County before earning a £250,000 move to Scottish giants Celtic in 2009.
Following three years in Glasgow, Thompson returned south of the border with Portsmouth and Colchester before moving to Tranmere.
The former England U19 international looks set to miss the rest of the season but Southport say they will stick by their skipper as he begins his rehabilitation.
A club statement read: “During the match against Wealdstone in the FA Trophy, Josh Thompson suffered a serious injury to his patella.
“Josh was taken to hospital by ambulance after the incident, and club physio Luke McCall joined Josh in hospital after the game. Josh received immediate treatment for the pain and was discharged when his pain levels subsided. Josh was also attended by his mother and father who were present at the game.
“Manager Steve Burr has visited Josh, and chairman Charlie Clapham has been in contact with Josh's parents. Josh will attend a specialist in Bolton where he will need major reconstructive surgery.
“The club will continue to support Josh through his recovery – and fundraising events for Josh are already being considered.”
Boss Burr added: “It looks like Josh will be missing now and he's been very influential in the team. It looked so innocuous but his patella has ended up halfway up his thigh.
“It's so disappointing. I had made him the captain and he's been top drawer week in, week out – it's a massive blow for us.”
