Blyth launch appeal to fund op for player
VANARAMA National League North club Blyth Spartans have launched a crowd-funding campaign to pay for defender Ryan Hutchinson’s knee operation.
The centre-back did considerable damage to his knee on Harrogate Town’s artificial pitch in April when there was no contact from another player.
Hutchinson suffered injuries to his medial collateral ligament, a ruptured cruciate ligament, part of his lateral cartilage and bone injuries, with his insurance only covering loss of earnings.
The 25-year-old, who joined Blyth in 2014 and has made 176 appearances, could miss the entire 2018/19 campaign. His surgery will cost £7,000.
Spartans physio Chris Bell said: “It’s going to be a long one for him, he’s picked quite a few injuries to his knee and he needs surgery.
“We don’t have a date yet – and after that it’s going to be a longterm rehabilitation for him – we’re talking more than nine months I imagine.”
It is a headache for both player and manager Alun Armstrong, who has already lost another key defender, David Atkinson, in the close season.
Armstrong said: “Being without two of your four defenders, two big players for us, next season is a real blow.
“Hutchinson is our best central defender and will be a big miss. He is comfortable on the ball and central to the way we play.
“Hopefully Jordan Watson should be fit to return after missing last season, but I still need to bring in a central defender.”
Contributions to the cost of Ryan Hutchinson’s operation can be made at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ryan-hutchinsonblyth-spartans-injury