Bath City forward Alex Fletcher has signed a contract with the club for the coming season after being medically cleared to return to football.
Fletcher was forced to undergo emergency brain surgery in November when, during a game against Dulwich Hamlet, he put a cross into the box and was unable to halt his momentum as he thudded into the advertising boards behind the goal head-first.
The 24-year-old suffered multiple skull fractures in the incident, and the game was abandoned as he was rushed to hospital and placed into an induced coma for a week.
After nearly ten months in recovery, Fletcher has been cleared to return and joined the National League South squad for training on Thursday.
In a statement on the club's website, Bath manager Jerry Gill said Fletcher's return to football was a credit to the former Plymouth star's attitude and determination.
'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 club also thanked its supporters association and fans for contributing the playing budget that has allowed Bath to offer Fletcher a short-term contract for the coming campaign.
Fletcher is set to travel with Gill's squad as they take on Dartford in their first league fixture of the season on Saturday but will not be part of the matchday squad.
'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,' Fletcher said.
'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.'
HannaanBumbooze
0
people might remember him from that viral meme/ video he couldn't stop and hit the wall full faced and was knocked out instantly
Cosbclotuz
4
glory to God