Alex Fletcher has been cleared to make an emotional playing comeback for Bath City after the serious head injury he suffered last year.
The striker is to play again, miraculously just nine months after suffering a serious head injury when he collided with a concrete wall.
Fletcher, 24, had to have surgery and was in a coma for five days after the accident during a game against Dulwich Hamlet in November in 2022.
Fletcher has now been given a new contract by the National League South club.
✍️ We’re delighted to announce that Alex Fletcher, our number 7, has been cleared to play and has signed a contract with the club.
We’re all delighted to see Alex return and can’t wait to see him don the black and white stripes once again.
🖤🩶 #Romans
— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) August 4, 2023
🚀 More to come from our Number 7
⚫️⚪️ #Romans pic.twitter.com/S7JW1ZvbLt
— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) August 4, 2023
CLUB STATEMENT:
We are delighted to announce that Alex Fletcher, who suffered a serious head injury last November when at the club’s home ground Twerton Park, has been cleared to play and has signed a contract with the club.
He joined the squad in full training on Thursday August 3rd, taking part in a small sided game in the team’s last training session before their league campaign begins on August 5th at Dartford in the Vanarama National League South.
Manager Jerry Gill said; “To see Alex back in full contact training within the group, having been given the all clear from the specialists, is so inspiring. It’s credit to his positive and determined mindset to how far he has come since that awful night back last year. We will continue to work with him and not rush anything at this stage, but it won’t be long until we see him back out on the pitch in a Bath City shirt.”
The news of Alex’s possible return was learnt recently, after most of the squad had been secured for the 2023/24 season. The Club is therefore very grateful to The Supporters’ Society and all the fans who have contributed to the Squad Builder campaign for supporting the playing budget. This has enabled the club to offer the short-term contract to the Devon based player with all parties hoping that his return to playing goes smoothly and he becomes a regular in the side once more for the forthcoming season.
Alex said; “After a turbulent time for me, my family, my close friends and everybody connected with Bath City, I’m absolutely delighted to not only have the opportunity to get back on the pitch, but to continue playing my part for this amazing football club.
“Nobody will ever understand how many times I’ve played out the scenarios in my mind. The next time stepping back onto Twerton Park with the number 7 on my back, my next goal, my next win as a Roman. It’s truthfully what’s been keeping me going throughout my entire recovery.
“For now, like we all are, I’m optimistic for the upcoming season ahead and I’m fully committed to exceeding the levels I hit before my accident, which in my mind is now a moment in time that I can move beyond.”
Alex will travel to Dartford with the team on Saturday but will not part of the matchday squad. Bath City’s next home game is on Saturday August 12th against Maidstone United.
This is what fans had to say with Alex Fletcher cleared to make an emotional playing comeback for Bath after his serious head injury…
@DomJohn881: Signing of the season. Absolutely great news.
@frogspad: That’s fantastic news. All the best Alex. TUFC fan.
@gsavage14: Amazing that he’s able to come back so soon, and massive praise to the surgeons and medical teams for their practically miraculous work in those first moments, crucial hours and early days 👏🏻🙏👊🏻 #SuperAlexFletcher
@from_oop_norf: What an incredible recovery. Welcome back, Fletch.
@KFlower11: This is incredible! What a Bath City legend. Let’s rename the bar… fletch’s 🤣🤣
@sobyeski22: Absolutely incredible!
@Johnsie7: absolutely class, this. 👏🏼
@tastyCush: Fucking love this guy ❤️
@NeilJon52006668: Many congratulations Alex onwards and upwards, enjoy your football.
@daggercraig82: Absolutely fantastic news . So happy for Alex and the club best wishes for the season
@cameron_jm1997: Come on Alex, we’re gonna smash it next absolute legend up the stripes ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️
@cannonball5355: The absolute best news ever …. what an amazing achievement Alex. 👏👏👏 Wishing you all the very best with your comeback. ⚽️⚽️
@GlosCityFans: This if fantastic news, best of Luck to Alex Fletcher and @BathCity_FC for the upcoming season 👏🏻❤️
@Nortongashead: That is absolutely fantastic fair play to the lad. Must have a heart of a lion!
@KevinSturmey: Well done Alex be great to see you back in the pitch #hero
@gazelk72: That is brilliant news !! What a comeback from a truly horrible situation. Wish Alex every success
@YouAreMyForest: Fantastic news. Remember reading about his horrible accident. Wishing you and also Alex all the very best for the season. You are on my groundhopping list for this season!
@__sarahcarr: He is quite literally a miracle, filled with determination most people can only dream of! Cannot wait to see him playing again 🤍🖤
What a human Alex is 🙌 the day I saw you in hospital and you looked at me and said “I will be back Jimbo” I could tell you really meant it 🙏 #Roman #Romanfamily #miraclesdohappen pic.twitter.com/WnMkAOE2sW
— Jim Rollo (@jimrollouk) August 5, 2023
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