Friends of a long serving Deal Town footballer have rallied round to support him and his family since a freak accident on pitch put him out of work.

Midfielder Jamie Marriott, 32, also known as Mazza, broke his fibula in three places after just six minutes of play during the club’s match against Tunbridge Wells on Saturday.

The injury means the self-employed ground worker and dad-of-one is temporarily unable to work.

This spurred his football club to take action and set up an appeal fund website which on Tuesday had already raised £1,000.

Jamie, of Western Road, Deal, said he first heard about the appeal through former chairman Dayle Melody. “He texted me, saying, ‘I hope you don’t mind but I’ve set up a fundraising page’.

“It’s gone absolutely crazy. I didn’t think that many people liked me. It’s a bit overwhelming.”

The former Castle Community student described his misfortune as a freak accident.

He said: “I went to push the ball on and my foot got stuck in the mud. My body weight just went against my knee and ankle.”

The game was held up for more than half-an-hour while Jamie was treated by paramedics.

Jamie, who has been told he will be in plaster up to his knee for six weeks, will see a specialist on Monday who will decide if surgery is needed.

He said: “The main concern is the bills. My partner Sarah has a foot injury, and has not worked for five weeks. It’s hard times for the moment but I’m sure we’ll get through it.”

Family, friends and fellow footballers have all contributed to the appeal, including Tunbridge Wells players.

He added: “I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who has been involved.”

Club chairman Rob Marriott, who is Jamie’s older brother, said: “On behalf of the club I would like to thank everyone who has offered their best wishes to Jamie, including the players and supporters of Tunbridge Wells who have been in touch.

“Times are going to be hard for Jamie as he has a young family and is newly self-employed.

“We are going to arrange a fundraising game for him in which Jamie will pick his own side, ‘The Class of 2000’, against the current team.”

Since joining the club in 1999, Jamie has played more than 294 first team games and score 29 goals. Following this injury, he doesn’t think he will return to the game.

He said: “I have to think about my family. My family come first, before football.”

Jamie was at the Charles Ground for Tuesday night’s game when a collection bucket was passed round the crowds.

To make a donation to Jamie’s appeal visit tinyurl.com/kb4h2s4