Hastings fans praised by injured goalie

Billericay Town goalkeeper Nicky Morgan was initially left paralysed from the shoulders down following a fight outside an Essex nightclub in October.

Now undergoing rehabilitation, he is able to use his arms and walk in a swimming pool.

“I honestly think if I hadn’t had the support, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” said the 26-year-old. “I might eventually have got to the same place, but not at the pace I am now, because I have really kicked on.”

Morgan revealed he had received cards from people he had never met and was aware of collections held by several football clubs including Hastings at the Ryman Premier match against Billericay in January.

“It’s been immense. My brother showed me a letter from Hastings who had done a whip-round and raised £230, and I’ve never even played for them,” he said.

“It’s means so much. You don’t realise how the football community can come together and do good things.”