Bath City footballer Alex Fletcher opens up on terrifying ordeal after needing brain surgery

Bath City footballer Alex Fletcher has been candid about his experience undergoing brain surgery after suffering multiple skull fractures following a horrific collision with a billboard last year.

Fletcher was playing against Dulwich Hamlet in a National League South match on 8 November when he put a cross into the penalty area and couldn’t stop his momentum as he hit his head against the advertising boards behind the goal.

Fletcher was immediately concerned, as he received immediate medical attention and play was quickly abandoned. The 24-year-old has revealed that calling off the match quickly made it clear to him the seriousness of the injury he had suffered.

“At that point I knew it had to be serious,” Fletcher said The protector as he contemplated leaving.

“I actually remember feeling a little guilty and thinking, ‘Oh no, Dulwich has come all the way from London.’ I know what it’s like, a huge pain to have to make that trip again, especially on a Tuesday night.’

Fletcher, pictured with fiancé Ellie, required brain surgery and fell into a coma

The assailant was taken to hospital by ambulance and recalled telling himself to remain conscious for fear that if he passed out he would not wake up again.

“I felt like if I fell asleep or passed out, it really could have been,” he continued.

“I said to myself, ‘You need to stay awake as long as possible.’ I suppose it was one of those sink-or-swim reactions. Then I remember the lights as I was wheeled into the hospital, really bright lights above my head. Subconsciously I knew I made it somewhere where I would be cared for. Then I passed out.’

Fletcher was kept in an induced coma for a week and spent nearly two weeks in intensive care.

He has admitted that doctors told his family the hard truth about his chances of survival when he underwent brain surgery that removed parts of his skull and vertebrae.

“As grim as it sounds, the concern was that the brain exploded from the pressure,” he said.

“They (Fletcher’s family) got the worst news, that my chances were pretty slim and that even if I made it, it might not be possible to live my life the way it was.

“My family was prepared for me to wake up and not recognize them, or for me to be a completely different person.”

Fortunately, Fletcher managed to pull through and the striker is making good progress with his recovery.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for him which has raised over £18,000, with a banner hanging at Bath City’s home ground reading: ‘Super Alex Fletcher.’

Fletcher also received words of encouragement via video message from England boss Gareth Southgate during the World Cup, saying he was overwhelmed by the support from the football community.

Fletcher took aim at Southgate’s messages of support, saying: “That he took the time during the World Cup and sent that message really opened my eyes and gave me the strength to think, ‘Yes, I can do this and keep making good progress. “

Wanting to learn from his own terrifying experience, Fletcher has teamed up with the Professional Footballers’ Association to campaign for more attention to player safety.

“Would you put a brick wall at the end of a 100-meter running track where people compete to beat each other to the finish line?” Fletcher asked.

Fletcher is now on his way to recovery and thanked England boss Gareth Southgate for his words of support via video message during last year’s World Cup

“So why do it so close to the edge of a football field? Something has to change, because it makes no sense.’

More than five months after his injury, Fletcher is still hoping to return to the field, but has made it clear that he will not do so until he gets the green light from his doctor.

“I still sometimes get the effects of dizziness when I wake up first thing in the morning, but mild, but compared to what I experienced in the hospital and where I was at the time with my mobility, I really crush it,” he explained .

“Physically and mechanically I’m starting to get there, back to where I want to be to return to football. For me, it’s just about what the surgeon will say, going forward. The ultimate goal is for me to come back and I just need to consider his advice with an open mind. I’m not going to risk my life again.”