Ellesmere Rangers' Darren Leonard to retire after horror injury
Darren Leonard has played his last game of football after suffering an horrific double leg break in Ellesmere Rangers' game at Wednesfield.
The defender landed awkwardly jumping for a header in the West Midlands Premier Division clash on Saturday.
The match was abandoned after just 20 minutes with Ellesmere trailing 2-0 at the time.
The 38-year-old was taken to hospital in an ambulance and underwent surgery on his tibia and fibula, having metal plates and pins inserted into his leg.
Leonard is now recovering at his home in Wolverhampton and Ellesmere manager Delwyn Humphreys confirmed the player will now hang up his boots.
Humphreys said: "He's back at home now, we will let him recuperate for the rest of the week and then we will pop over and go see him. Hopefully, he will recover pretty quick.
"He's stated to me that will be it now, he sent me a text saying he's going to get the golf clubs out now!
"He was only playing every now and then to help out.
"It's one of those things. He's a genuine lad who has worked very hard to do what he does football-wise.
"I know what he's all about, so it's very sad."
Director of football Alan Davis was first on the scene when the incident occured, as he doubles up as the team physio, and added that Leonard will be looked after by the club.
Davis said: "He's on the mend now and everybody at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.
"We insure all of the players, it's not a great amount but hopefully it will help."
