Broken leg ends season for Gorman (Story posted 07.03.02)

TWO disappointing defeats in a week were put in the shade on Tuesday night, when new signing Michael Gorman had his leg broken in a nightmare tackle at Gravesend.
The offending player was instantly dismissed for the challenge, but the Magpies were outraged at what followed, as a group of home supporters booed and jeered the stricken midfielder, accusing him of hamming it up to get their player dismissed.
Maidenhead chairman Roger Coombs said: “It’s a really bad break. It’s his tibia and fibula I think.
“The medics had to give him oxygen and they couldn’t stop him screaming.
“It was horrendous. But I couldn’t believe the crowd’s reaction. There was bloke lying on the ground in agony and they were treating him like a cheat!”
Coombs was also appalled that a promising young player may have had his career ended by one irresponsible challenge.
He added: “At the end of the day we weren’t worried about the result. It’s Michael we’re worried about.
“It was only his fourth game for us and he was playing really well.
“He’s a very promising prospect, but this could be the end of his playing career.”
Manager Alan Devonshire was equally appalled, saying: “Well, it puts football into perspective.
“At the end of the day, these things happen, but I just feel for the boy.
“He was in a bad way last night but he’s settled down a bit today (Wednesday) and I’m just waiting for a phone call from his girlfriend to find out when they’re going to operate.
“Hopefully I’ll go down and visit him tomorrow.
“I’m not very happy about it. The boy was real quality.”
The incident brought a disappointing week to a very sad end, but Devonshire said he was now trying to pick his side up for Tuesday night’s clash with Hampton & Richmond, kick-off 7.45pm.
Hampton are currently in relegation difficulties, but are unbeaten in their last five league outings.
Devonshire said: “We always have a good game with them. They’re a good footballing side, so it should be close.”
There is no game tomorrow (Saturday).