Champion boss makes hospital visit

The Bluebirds boss told fans that the midfielder had wished the champions well next season on Monday as he recovered from a major operation in Swindon on the double fracture he sustained to his right leg in the first half of Saturday's 2-0 win at Hardenhuish Park.

Collier went to check on the condition of Hawkins after the Saints set-up an online JustGiving page to raise funds for the former St Neots Town, Cambridge City, Lowestoft Town, Braintree Town, Cambridge United, Kettering Town and Norwich City star who was treated on the pitch for nearly an hour. Self-employed, he is facing a long recovery and is expected to be unable to work for months. Within hours of the appeal being launched on Tuesday more than £1,000 had already been raised by well-wishers.

Collier, who saw his side collect the club's silverware and their medals as record-breaking EVO-STIK League Southern Premier Division champions at the weekend after the incident, wished Hawkins well and said the Bluebirds would be making a donation to the fund after Saturday's sad end to the season for the player.

Collier said: "I visited Josh Dawkin at Great Western Hospital in Swindon. Josh had a seven hour operation on a double fracture. He is hoping to be discharged from hospital tomorrow or Wednesday and St Ives FC are to set up a giving page to help Josh at this difficult time and I am informed that we as a club will certainly be making a contribution. Josh wished the club the very best for next season."

For more information and to make a donation visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/maureen-clarke

Images courtesy of @ChipTownFC & @stivestownfc on Twitter

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