A FOOTBALLER for Bashley FC who suffered serious injuries in a car crash says he is unlikely to play football again.

Jordan Chiedozie – the son of former Spurs and Nigeria star John Chiedozie – was on his way back home from the match against Tavistock AFC in Devon on February 1 when a blown tyre forced him to pull into a hard shoulder.

Jordan was subsequently hit by a car and he was placed in an induced coma before undergoing surgery.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary arrested a 44-year-old woman from Wraysbury on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol level was above the limit and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Bashley FC said Jordan is making good progress in his recovery following the operations and passed on an update from Jordan himself.

In the update, Jordan said he is “lucky to be alive”.

Jordan said: “I will never be able to thank everyone personally, but I am truly grateful to everyone who has helped me.

READ MORE: Footballing community rallies behind Bashley FC player facing life-threatening injuries

“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 teammates set up.

“Secondly, I want to thank everyone at Bashley FC 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 the 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 – Jordan and family.”

Jordan said his football career is over Picture: Bashley FC

A fundraiser was launched in response to Jordan’s injuries, with £32,100 raised so far.

The footballing community rallied behind him in support, with Wimborne, AFC Totton, Poole Town, Sholing, Mousehole, Millbrook and Laverstock & Ford among clubs that made matchday collections – and the Southern League itself made a significant donation.

Jordan’s father, John, was among the crowd at Bashley, along with Jordan’s partner, Michaela, and other family members, for the next game after the accident.

They watched with pride as Jordan’s teammates recorded a 3-2 win against Willand Rovers – and then paraded Jordan’s number 11 shirt around the ground to a huge ovation, not only from Bashley fans, but, to their credit, the Willand players and supporters.

Jordan still has a long recovery path ahead but said he is determined to get to a Bashley match as soon as he can.

He added: “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 chairman 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 is likely to stay in her memory forever.”