A FORMER Bournemouth footballer has been left in a “controlled coma” with “life-changing and potentially life-threatening” injuries after a car crash on Saturday.
Jordan Chiedozie, son of ex-Tottenham winger John, is currently on the books at Bashley FC in the Southern League I.
PA:Press AssociationJordan Chiedozie suffered ‘potentially life-threatening’ injuries in a car crash on Saturday[/caption]
Chiedozie came through the youth ranks at BournemouthRex
Chiedozie, 30, was travelling back from the weekend defeat at Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor.
The car sustained a flat tyre on the M27 and was hit as they investigated the issue by another vehicle.
The forward suffered “multiple broken bones and other physical injuries” before being rushed to hospital.
The Hampshire club released a shocking statement to share details of the tragic incident after the weekend defeat at Tavistock.
Bashley wrote: “Everyone connected with Bashley Football Club is devastated by the news that our player Jordan Chiedozie is currently in hospital with what is described as ‘life-changing, and potentially life-threatening’ injuries, after a serious car crash.
“Jordan was travelling back from Saturday’s Southern League match at Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor, when they pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the M27 near Southampton, to investigate a flat tyre.
“They were both outside the vehicle when it was hit heavily from behind by another car. The driver of that vehicle has been arrested for alleged ‘drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving’.
“Jordan was taken to Southampton Hospital suffering multiple broken bones and other physical injuries. At this time he remains in a controlled coma.
“Reighan was not hurt physically, but obviously has suffered severe trauma. She was able to use her skills to provide immediate, although in such circumstances, very basic, first aid to Jordan at the scene.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Jordan and his family, and of course with Reighan, at what is a difficult time for all connected with Bashley FC.
“In view of the seriousness of the situation the club has applied to the Southern League to have Tuesday’s scheduled home match against Thatcham Town, postponed. The Southern League have respectfully agreed with the request.”
Bashley shared the update on social media, leading to a wave of supportive messages.
Bashley midfielder Luke Delaney said: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Something which has knocked me and a lot of people for six.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to Reighs and Jordan and really hope everyone can get through this nightmare at the moment.”
Chesham United wrote: “The whole football family is with you right now.”
Fellow clubs Eastleigh, Didcot Town, Margate, Melksham, Wimborne, Bristol Manor Farm and Blackfield & Langley all replied, too.
One fan posted: “Truly heartbreaking to read this and my thoughts with everyone at a club that will always mean the world to me.”
And another typed: “So sad to read this, thoughts and prayers are with Jordan and his family and everyone involved with Bashley at this sad time.”
Bashley manager David Lewis added: “Everyone at the club is completely stunned by what happened, and our thoughts at the moment are far more with Jordan and his family, and with Reighan, than they are with football.
“Jordan’s team-mates are understandingly in bits and I am certain would not want to play so soon after this terrible accident, and in such circumstances, I would certainly not want to give a team talk. Therefore we have applied for Tuesday’s match to be postponed.
“We are in close touch with Jordon’s immediate family, and will do all that we can to support them at this awful time.”
Chairman Steve Lewis commented: “Our Bashley football family are heartbroken by this news and still trying to come to terms with the tragic events that occurred after our game on Saturday.
“We are all together in wishing Jordan and Reighan the deepest of love and well wishes.”
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, pictured with Braintree, has played for a string on non-league clubsRex
His dad John Chiedozie played for Notts County, Tottenham and NigeriaGetty – Contributor Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
