A long-serving Deal Town footballer who was unable to work after a freak accident on the pitch says he is on the mend.

Jamie Marriott, 32, of Western Road, Deal, who is also known as Mazza, broke his fibula in three places during a game against Tunbridge Wells on Saturday, February 7.

The injury meant the self-employed ground worker couldn’t work. There were also fears surgery would be needed.

The dad-of-one told KentOnline: “We went back to the hospital and the three breaks have healed pretty well so the specialist doesn’t want to operate.”

The former Castle Community student will remain in his cast for four more weeks and then looks forward to getting back to work.

Following the accident, family, friends and fellow footballers rallied round to support him, setting up an appeal fund website which raised almost £1,500.

The first team also donated their fines money to top it up. Mr Marriott said the money has “massively” helped him pay his rent and bills.

The midfielder, who joined the club in 1999, still says he won’t return to the game.

He said: “I’m gutted but I’ve got to think about work.

“After all these years playing football, I knew my career was coming to an end. I didn’t want it to end like this but it has.”

He once again thanked everyone who has helped him and his family out, particularly former club chairman Dayle Melody and James Ellis who has organised a charity football match for Mr Marriott on Good Friday.