A Sussex footballer has been told he will never play again after injuring himself just 41 seconds into a game.

Lee Bayley was carried off during Fernhurst Sports' 2-0 home defeat to Loxwood in the West Sussex League and doctors say he was lucky not to lose his leg after complications in surgery.

The specialists have warned the 27-year-old defender that he will never kick a ball again despite having four operations.

Brave Bayley said: "It's been a living nightmare. I just ran across the back line to knock the ball off for a throw in and one of their players just brushed past me, spinning me round, and my knee went.

"When they operated to put between 13 and 17 screws in my knee, the muscles swelled up and cut off the circulation.

"They first told me I might lose my leg when I was under anaesthetic and I didn't pay much attention. Then they told me again in the morning and I thought 'oh my God'. It was terrifying. I'm really glad I've kept my leg although it is still nasty to look at."

The Liverpool fan added: "My mum has been excellent and I would like to thank everyone really. My friends, family and the hospital for getting me through this. They have kept my spirits up, it wouldn't help me being on a downer."

Bayley is on crutches recuperating at his home in Midhurst under the watchful eye of mother Margaret following the innocuous-looking incident.

He said: "I hope to play again in two or three years time but I'm going to make sure my leg is sorted first. I want to be able to walk properly first.

"The doctors have told me not to expect to play again but I said to them I will do everything I can to prove them wrong. Even if it's just to kick a ball around.

"Football is a love of mine. It is my hobby and always will be. I'll continue to watch the game and help my nephew Lewis Hyde to get as much out of the game as I have."

Bayley went to see his Fernhurst team-mates beat Warnham 3-2 on Saturday in their West Sussex Division Two North match. He said: "It was nice to see them play but devastating not to be out there. Watching was difficult but everyone at the club has been superb."

Bayley said the treatment he has received from the country's much-maligned health service has been exceptional.

The centre-back spent three weeks at the St Richards Hospital in Chichester and a further seven days at the Chelsea and Westminister Hospital where he underwent a skin graft.

He said: "They were all very nice. All the staff in both hospitals were great. The NHS has been brilliant for me, from the people bringing the coffee, to the surgeons."

Not surprisingly, the unfortunate player has not been short of well wishes. We gave Lee a case of beer, and he will be Park Life's guest at Albion's home game against Wycombe in the New Year. Fernhurst Sports' sponsors, Q8 Fuelcare, gave him a watch and a calendar.

He said: "The calendar has been good as it means I don't forget any of my appointments."

Importantly, Lee's employers Pitson Brickworks have said they will hold his job for him.

Sports' secretary Gerald Puttick said the club had held a collection for Lee and hoped to make a presentation to the player ahead of their home game against Fittleworth next weekend.

He said: "We would like to give him a portable TV or something. We are all still in shock. I saw the incident and it looked so harmless I was amazed when they called for an ambulance."

Puttick also revealed the club would be putting in an application to the Sussex FA for cash from their benevolent fund.

If you would like to make a donation to Lee, please contact Park Life on 01273 544581.