FORMER Bolton defender Nicky Hunt has been released from hospital after suffering a serious head injury that saw Darlington’s game with Boston abandoned.
The 37-year-old was knocked unconscious around 9.30pm on Tuesday and was down for 90 minutes before he was finally taken to an ambulance, and then hospital, at around 11pm.
Former Bolton defender Nicky Hunt was taken to hospital with a serious head injury following 90 minutes of treatmentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
His club Darlington revealed this morning that Hunt was released from hospital at 5am, and he is now recovering at home with his family.
A club statement read: “We are pleased to inform everyone that following a scan on his head and neck at North Tees Hospital early this morning, Nicky has been given the all-clear.
“He was released from hospital at around 5am, and he returned home to rest with his family.
“Once again, we would like to thank the physios from both Darlington and Boston who gave Nicky so much care and attention on the field.
“Their professionalism prevented the situation from getting even worse, and also to the medical staff for their attention.
“We would also like to thank everyone from across the football spectrum for sending their best wishes to Nicky.”
Hunt is believed to have been involved in a collision with Darlo team-mate Tony McMahon in the build-up to Boston’s second goal.
Darlington issued a statement on Tuesday evening as many fans and former team-mates sent their best wishes.
The 37-year-old was knocked unconscious before being carried off the pitch at around 11pm Credit: Action Images – Reuters
It read: “We would like to update you on the serious injury to Darlington defender Nicky Hunt.
“Following an incident on the field near the end of the match, Nicky was left unconscious and needed lengthy treatment for a head injury from the physios of both clubs and medical staff.
“He was taken to hospital at 11pm by ambulance.
“We would like to thank the excellent care and prompt action which was taken by the physios of both clubs, and the Darlington FC safety staff and stewards.
“Our thoughts are with Nicky and his family.
“We will update everybody when we can.”
Bolton News chief football reporter Marc Isles has tweeted this morning that the footballer is out of hospital and ‘groggy’.
He wrote: “Some good news on the Nicky Hunt front. Hearing from close mates/family that he has now left hospital.
“Though groggy, he does not appear to have any lasting injuries. Docs will check on him for a few weeks, I suspect.”
The collision saw Hunt fall backwards and land awkwardly.
He did not move for more than an hour, with reports from inside the ground describing team-mates and opponents as ‘shocked’.
Club physios and medical staff attended to the defender before an ambulance arrived and he was taken away from Blackwell Meadows.
Darlington tweeted confirming the veteran defender was down at 9.34pm with just three minutes left of normal time.
The National League game was called off at 10pm.
The original tweet read: “Nasty clash involving McMahon and Hunt gave Boston a huge breakaway and they take advantage. 2-0 Boston.”
Hunt’s former Bolton team-mate Kevin Davies tweeted: “Hoping for some positive news regarding my good mate Nicky Hunt in the morning.”
Other EFL and non-League clubs have also posted messages of support for the veteran defender.
Bolton-born Hunt played for his hometown club for nine years between 2001 and 2010 during a highly successful period for the Trotters.
He has since played for a number of EFL clubs including Preston, Accrington Stanley, Mansfield and Leyton Orient.
The former England Under-21 international, who last played for Crewe Alexandra, only joined Darlington in July.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
