A MAJOR health update has been released after a former Bournemouth star was left fighting for his life in a horror crash.
Jordan Chiedozie, son of ex-Tottenham winger John, was placed in a coma after being hit by a car while waiting at the side of the M27 with a flat tire.
PA:Press AssociationJordan Chiedozie suffered ‘potentially life-threatening’ injuries in the crash[/caption]
Chiedozie, pictured with Braintree, has played for a string on non-league clubsRex
The former Cherries academy player, 30, was rushed to a Southampton hospital after horror unfolded on February 1.
He had been travelling back from Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor, who was uninjured in the smash.
The forward, currently on the books at Bashley FC in the Southern League I, suffered “multiple broken bones and other physical injuries”.
Nearly six weeks later, Chiedozie has been discharged and welcomed back home by his girlfriend Michaela.
Since the crash, more than £32,000 has been raised for the footballer to help support his recovery.
Clubs from across the division donated to the GoFundMe page set up by friends and family.
Chiedozie has since expressed his overwhelming gratitude.
“I was really enjoying my football and enjoying being part of a fantastic bunch of lads at a prestigious club,” he said.
“Whatever my future holds I will forever be a Bashley fan, cheering the team from the other side of the fence as soon as I’m fit enough to do so.
“Thanks again to everyone not only at our club, but the many other clubs and wonderful football fans who have sent me messages and contributed to the fund the Bashley lads set-up for me.
“The level of kindness towards me, even from people who are not football fans, or from Bashley, is something I will never forget. This was typified by the Bishops Cleeve club and their fans at last Saturday’s match.
“I will never be able to thank everyone personally, but I hope my comments will show how truly grateful I am to everyone who has helped in whatever way.”
Bashley Club chairman Steve Lewis added: “The way the Bishops Cleeve club reacted to the situation regarding our Jordan Chiedozie, was nothing short of magnificent.
“They organised a collection for Jordan’s fund both before and at the game – they made tannoy announcements and featured Jordan on several pages of their programme, including the entire front page.
“Beyond that they provided a lovely bouquet for our physio, Reighan Taylor, who was, of course, alongside Jordan at the time of that horrible accident.
“And they raised nearly £600 for Jordan’s fund. What a truly magnificent effort, and we can’t thank them enough for their kindness.”
He added: “We’re delighted to say that Jordan is back home and making good progress. So whatever the score today, that’s one “result” that fans of both sides can be delighted with!”
Chiedozie came through at Bournemouth and was with the club when they were in League One and the Championship.
He did not play a first-team match for the Cherries and had various loans in non-league before a stint in League Two with Cambridge United.
The striker then played in the National League, National League South and Isthmian Leagues.
Jordan’s dad John played as a winger for Leyton Orient and Notts County and signed for Tottenham in 1984 for £375,000.
He scored on his debut in a 4-1 win away at Everton but struggled with injuries, eventually leaving for Derby in 1988 with 14 goals from 75 Spurs appearances.
The nine-cap Nigeria international finished his career with Bashley in 1992.
Chiedozie came through the youth ranks at BournemouthRex
His dad John Chiedozie played for Notts County, Tottenham and NigeriaGetty – Contributor Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
