Gorman condemns Martin over career threatening tackle - EXCLUSIVE

Deres midfielder, Tom Maycock, a self-employed roofer, suffered an cruciate ligament injury after Martin’s 48^th minute tackle during Lordswood’s 3-1 extra-time win over Erith & Belvedere in the Kent League Cup last Tuesday.

According to Deres’ match reporter, Thomas Hawes, who was at the match, “They were both committed to win a 50-50 ball in midfield.”

He said: “Both players gave their all to get to the ball and they clattered into each other.

“It was unclear which player had made the foul, but the referee had made his mind up and showed no hesitation in showing a red card to Martin as Maycock was writhing around on the floor in agony.”

He added: “As Martin left the pitch it appeared as if comments had been made by an Erith & Belvedere player that tipped him over the edge.

“In a fit of rage, Martin ripped off his shirt and confronted (Deres defender) Paul Gross.

“After (allegedly) throwing a couple of punches at Gross, as well as slapping him with his shirt, one of Martin’s team-mates had fortunately arrived to diffuse the situation.

“The management teams of both sides had entered the pitch to calm their players down.

“Meanwhile, Maycock was still lying on the ground injured, and was stretchered off and later taken to hospital.”

Doctors at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital confirmed that Maycock had an operation to repair his cruciate ligament - the second time that he went under the knife.

Maycock is being supported by his club, as he, his partner Kelly and recent arrival, Harry, come to terms with the loss of income sustained by his injury.

But Doncaster born Gorman condemned the challenge - and the alleged incident afterwards - and knows exactly how Maycock feels, as his professional career was finished by injury.

“The kid has to realise what he’s done,” Gorman said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“It’s not for me to say he should banned, but he’s stopped him from playing football for the rest of his life basically.

“Everyone’s going to come in hard but he went a bit hard. This kind of injury is going to happen but people who play the game, it could happen to them, so why do it to other people? It’s not fair!”

His opposite number, Lords boss Shawn Mitchell, meanwhile, is keeping tight lipped about the 50-50 challenge - and the unsavoury incident afterwards.

He said: “We’re waiting for the referee’s report about the incident afterwards.

“It’s a 50-50 tackle, he (Maycock) caught his studs in the turf and all he’s weight went over it.”

But Supportive Erith & Belvedere officials and fans are doing all they can to ensure Maycock’s young family can make ends meet.

On Saturday, 10^th November, the club are staging a special fundraising night at Park View Road.

It was Maycock’s first appearance for the Deres following the birth of his son Harry just two weeks earlier.

The evening will consist of a disco with lots of fun and games to play during the night, including spin the wheel, racing and bingo.

Tickets for this special event have been reduced to just £5 each and the club urges everyone to do all they can for the Maycock family.

Deres director, Mr Frank May, said: “Our thoughts are with Tom and his family right now - we’re all wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

“We don’t yet know how long that (the recovery) will take but it’s already clear that we need to raise as much as we can for Tom and his family while he is on the road to recovery.

“Tickets for the night are just £5 each and we would urge all supporters to grab a ticket or two, even if you cannot make it to the club on the night.

“The club will also be holding a raffle as part of the event - any prizes donated by supporters or local businesses would be gratefully accepted.”

Deres supporter Ben Dryland, however, who wasn’t at the match, added: “I’m sure we’d rally round if any of our players faced a prolonged period of lost earnings as a result of injury on the football pitch.

“Tom is a committed and talented footballer - the type that all players and supporters appreciate - so perhaps this is an opportunity for us all to show just how appreciate he really is at the club.”

You can make a donation to the fund by clicking on this link - www.disa.org.uk/tommymaycockfund.html

Messages of support for Tommy, his partner Kelly and their new addition, Harry, can be sent to the club at:

Erith & Belvedere Football Club
Park View Road
Welling
Kent
DA16 1SY

Email:  info@erithandbelvederefc.co.uk

Visit Erith & Belvedere's websites:  www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk & www.disa.org.uk