Fletcher Calls Time On Career After Hoarding Horror

The 25-year-old’s world changed in November 2022 when the attacker was left in a coma fighting for his life after clattering into a concrete advertising hoarding whilst playing for the Romans.

His family were told his injuries were so severe that he may not remember them - and he might have lost the use of his legs forever,

He incredibly returned to the game last season and was hoping to fire Weston-super-Mare to National League South promotion next term.

But after a summer of soul searching and following meetings with medics, he has made the tough decision to hang up his boots.

In a video on Instagram, he told his followers: “The physical effects of what happened have affected my balance, my timing. I have lost of lot things that made me what I was.

“Maybe that is something that is out of my control now, it’s not something I can work towards.

“It’s set in stone that this is how things are going forward. I’ve got to be so grateful for what I had. I am able to live a relatively normal life.

“But for me, carrying on playing football is probably a step too far. I’m really gutted about it.”

His manager and Weston, Scott Bartlett, said: “I’ve spoken with Alex many times during the summer. He informed me of his decision some time ago which I know he had thought about greatly.

“He is an intelligent person with a great family, who recently had a very important new addition. That is obviously the most important thing.

“I have not known Alex for long in the grand scheme of things but he had made an impression on me and the rest of our club.

“He is so positive and has taken everything in his stride. What he went through is common knowledge but largely incomprehensible to many.

“I am sure you will all join me in thanking Alex for all his efforts in a Seagulls shirt and wishing him all the best for the future in what is sure to be a great career with the PFA.”