Bashley FC footballer Jordan Chiedozie reveals his playing days are over due to injuries suffered in M27 crash

An “incredibly brave” Jordan Chiedozie has revealed his playing days as a footballer are over after he suffered life-changing injuries in a car crash.

Jordan (30) was put into an induced coma after after his broken down vehicle was struck by another on the M27 near Ower on 1st February. But he is now awake, and his first thoughts were to thank Bashley FC fans and others who supported him.

In a statement he said: “I will never be able to thank everyone personally, but I am truly grateful to everyone who has helped me. I’m overwhelmed by all of it to be honest and can’t believe the amount of kindness and support I’ve had.

“Firstly, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has written messages of support and donated to the fund my brilliant team-mates set up.

“Secondly, I want to thank everyone at Bashley Football Club for everything they have done for me and my family since all this happened. It’s been amazing and shows what a great club it is.

“I’m still in hospital at the moment awaiting one of the last procedures – hopefully next week – before I can then go home and start to heal.

“Unfortunately, my football career is over, and my life has changed forever but I’m lucky to be alive thanks to all the surgeons, nurses and emergency teams whose work has been so brilliant since the accident happened.

“Thank you again for all the messages of support and donations.”

A club source said Jordan was being “incredibly brave” about what had happened to him and he is “recovering well and hopes to return home soon”.

A fundraising page set up in the wake of the accident has raised over £32,000, and fans and clubs all over the UK have donated to it including Wimborne, AFC Totton, Poole Town, Sholing, Mousehole, Millbrook and Laverstock & Ford who collected money at their matches. The Southern League has also made a “significant donation”.

Jordan is the son of the former Spurs and Nigeria star John Chiedozie. He attended the first game after Jordan’s accident, with his son’s partner Michaela and other family members to personally thank fans for their support.

His son still has a “long recovery path ahead” but is “determined to get to a Bashley match as soon as he can”.

Jordan said: “I had only been with the club for a short time, but I was really enjoying my football and enjoying being part of a fantastic bunch of lads at a great club, where my dad had also played a few games.

“Whatever the future holds I will forever be a Bashley fan. Thanks again to everyone.”

Bashley chair Steve Lewis said: “The response to what happened to Jordan has been amazing, not only from our own club and fans, but from all over the country. The ‘football family’ has certainly rallied round and, like Jordan, we are truly grateful for that.”

Team manager Dave Lewis said: “As a club we will continue to offer Jordan whatever help we can, and likewise, to Reighan Taylor, our physio, who was with him at the time of the accident.

“We were delighted to see Reighan return for our game at Bideford last weekend, but the nightmare of what she witnessed at the moment Jordan was hurt is something likely to stay in her memory forever.”

To donate to the fundraiser visit: gofundme.com/f/jordan-chiedozie-fundraiser