BROMSGROVE Sporting midfielder Liam Spink says he is determined to come back ‘stronger than ever’ after being ruled out for the season with a broken leg.
The 23-year-old suffered the horrific injury on Tuesday night in a Birmingham Senior Cup clash against Nuneaton Town at the Victoria Ground.
He also picked up a dislocated ankle in the process which led to referee Ben Cooke abandoning the game in the 67th minute.
And from the moment of impact Spink told the Standard he knew the injury was serious.
“I don’t really remember too much of what actually happened but I tried to flick the ball around one of their players and he ended up landing on my leg,” he said.
“There was a loud noise and I thought the worst straight away.
“Judging by the reaction of the players and fans it was enough to tell me it was bad.
“I then had a look at it myself and knew immediately my leg was not right.
“The physios raced over to me as well as the gaffer Paul Smith, Brendan Kelly and Andy Mason who kept me calm before the ambulance came.”
Spink was rushed to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch where his dislocation was sorted on the same night.
He then underwent a successful leg operation on Wednesday afternoon, with the former Redditch United and Rushall Olympic midfielder having two pins put into his ankle which will come out after 12 weeks.
“The nurses had to do an X-ray to check if the break was higher up the leg and they found that was the case as the fibula had snapped,” Spink said.
“They put me out and after the operation I woke up feeling a lot better.
“I had my medication but I was still in some discomfort.
“Smudger (Paul Smith), Brendan and Andy all came to see me – they have been top drawer.
“I am back at home now which will not be as bad as sitting in a hospital bed.”
The long road to recovery now starts for Spink who is expected to remain in a cast for two weeks before having a non-weight bearing boot for a further four weeks – only after then will he be able to put weight on his leg.
He can then start his rehabilitation from that point and Spink revealed he has received a number of offers to help him through a difficult time in his non-League football career.
“The amount of support I have received has just been overwhelming and the first team coach at Nuneaton Town has even offered with my rehab,” he said.
“Obviously I have the staff at Bromsgrove Sporting to help me and I have some other offers on the table so there are plenty of options for me which is brilliant.”
With the season over for Spink, he admitted it was going to be difficult to watch on from the sidelines but stressed he would get down to as many games as possible to cheer Sporting on.
And as a full-time engineer, he is not expected to get back into work until after Christmas.
However, Sporting chiefs have organised a collection at next Saturday’s FA Vase game against Coventry United to help him through the festive season.
“Not being at work over Christmas is not ideal but I have been offered by my bosses to do bits in the office when I return which I will certainly be taking them up on,” Spink said.
“I saw the idea of the collection for me on Twitter and I really appreciate that.
“I would never ask for money myself but it certainly will help.
“The support from everyone has been fantastic and every little helps.”
Now resting at home, Spink is targeting to come back as soon as possible and stressed his severe injury will not put him off a return to action.
“I always thought if I had an injury like this I would worry about coming back but I am determined to come back stronger than ever,” he added.
“It is just one of those things that happens in football but I am looking forward to getting back into action.
“I would love to play before the end of the season but we will have to see what happens.
“I will do the rehab properly and hopefully I will be back before people know it.”
