The injury to Mike Turner overshadowed Sittingbourne’s return to winning ways last weekend when the giant defender broke his leg in three places and dislocated his left ankle during the game against East Grinstead Town. 

In his first interview since the weekend, Turner said, “Considering the circumstances, I actually feel okay thanks. I had the surgery yesterday (Tuesday) and as far as I am aware it all went to plan and the road to recovery starts now. It is just a matter of getting released from the hospital now and recovering at home.

“I remember most of the incident to be fair, I saw the ball there to be won just outside the box down the left-hand side channel and my intention was to make a strong challenge and win the ball but the next thing I knew my ankle was facing the wrong way and I knew immediately something was not right.

“At first it was just a big shock and I could not believe it had happened but after a few minutes the pain had gone, and it was just a matter of getting off the pitch and into the ambulance and then letting the boys get back to business.” 

Immediately after the incident, Sittingbourne physio Jess Osbourne, fitness coach Glen Warwick and the East Grinstead physio Kate Moss cared for the stricken defender.

“I am glad you asked about Jess and Glen and the EGT staff. They were absolutely brilliant, and I cannot thank them enough. Not only them but also (injured team-mates) Chrissy Harris and Bobby Mason also helped me get stretchered into the changing room and was there keeping me company so also a huge thank you must go out to them.

“When the incident happened Glen and Jess did an excellent job to help keep me calm and without them the process would have been a lot more difficult that is for sure. 

While Glen stayed at the game, Jess was with me every step of the way and was extremely helpful and reassuring and I am so thankful she was there. It got to the point where I felt bad for her wasting her Saturday evening at the side of my hospital bed! 

“The ambulance got there very quickly which was extremely helpful. When I was on the pitch there was talk of them taking two hours so for them to get there in 20 minutes was brilliant and I am grateful for that. In terms of getting to the hospital and the next steps I cannot really remember too much as I was on gas and air!” 

Highlighting the closeness that boss Ryan Maxwell has instilled into Sittingbourne, the manager and his management team went to Medway Hospital after the game to check in with Turner, a move that surprised the defender.

He told us, “They showed up and did behave themselves ha-ha! The second I saw the four of them bowl in together immediately put a smile on my face and lifted my mood massively, even if they did eat all the sweets and treats, they originally brought for me!

“It was brilliant of them to go out of there way and travel up to see me and check in on me and it certainly made the process easier. They were all reassuring me that I will be back and back stronger and that is what I needed to hear.

“Maxy was telling me he has been through a similar injury so it’s always good to hear advice first hand from someone who’s been there and done it and can help guide me through recovery which he’s been doing already, himself and all the coaching staff have been messaging me every day since it happened which I really do appreciate.” 

After returning home, Turner was admitted into the Queens Hospital in Romford the following morning and it was there he had an operation at the start of the week. He admitted, “It was good to get back home even if it was only for a few hours, but to be honest that is when the pain was at its worst!” 

“I ended up being in Queens for three and a half days! That consisted of getting my ankle put into place (for the second time), plenty of jabs, medication, blood withdrawals and of course surgery, and I must say a big thank you to all the NHS staff that helped me along the way.” 

“In terms of the actual injury it was a dislocated ankle and three breaks in the fibula, so since the ankle has been re-positioned (twice), the surgery was fixed on getting the fibula sorted out, which consisted of opening up the leg and putting plates and screws in there to get it back into position, so I now have a bionic leg!

“They said I should hopefully back walking in around six weeks, and longer term hopefully back playing in six months as far as I am aware!” 

Turner asked to finish our chat with the following. “I wish I could thank every single Sittingbourne fan individually right now but that will have to wait until the next time I am at a game!

“Genuinely all the support and messages I have seen and received from all the fans, staff and players has been extraordinary and I cannot explain my gratitude enough I really cannot, I am incredibly grateful.

“I have only been at the club for a few months but from minute one you have all taken me in and showed nothing, but amazing support and I must thank you all so much for that!

“Without a doubt the best fans in the league! I am also aware of a go fund me page that has been set up on my behalf which again just shows how selfless the people involved with Sittingbourne are, and for everyone that donated however big or small and to whoever helped share the page around thank you again so much!

“I am extremely blessed to have so many great people around me and I will never forget the amount of help I received!” 

Everyone at KSN wishes him a speedy recovery.

Images courtesy of Paul Golding