Manager Kevin Watson has called on the Kent football community to support Chatham Town defender Matt Solly after breaking his ankle.
Fifteen months ago, just before Chatham played an FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round tie against St Albans City, Kevin Watson and I were sitting in his corner inside the physio’s room at Maidstone Road, talking about one of his players who had suffered a serious, in this case life-threatening injury at Thurrock’s Ship Lane ground.
On that occasion, Corey Holder had complained of stomach pains following a challenge playing against Romford, but few inside the ground knew how serious the situation was. Only through the quick actions of Chatham’s Terry Groom and the Romford physio was Holder taken to Darenth Hospital where, that night, he would have his spleen removed.
Now, following a tackle on the same pitch, Chatham’s talisman and captain, 26-year old Matt Solly, is facing a long, hard journey back to fitness after breaking and dislocating his ankle on New Year’s Day. Watson said to me, “we’ve seen that Corey is back out there enjoying his football, and I’m sure Matt will do the same. People tend to forget that we still have Jack Bradshaw out, having damaged knee ligaments pre-season, and he’s been here supporting the team since it happened.”
“I’d spoken to the boys about short careers in football; not that Matt’s career is over, but football is a ruthless game, and anything can happen every time you go out there. We missed Matt out there today (a 5-0 home defeat to Aveley) as he brings a presence to our game, and can affect the game.”
Given that the incident had only happened 40 hours earlier, it was heart-warming to see Matt Solly at Maidstone Road to watch the team he’s represented for 10 years. Watson admitted he was amazed, but explained “the surgeons were due to operate on Friday morning, but took the decision not to as the relocation of his ankle went quite well. They’ll see how the alignment has gone, and how the healing process has started in a week’s time, and assess things then. It’s been positive so far, but we’ll wait to see next week.”
“Matt is a credit to non-league football, and you’ve seen over Twitter and other social media how popular he is. We’ve even got him onto Twitter now because I was tired of telling him about all the messages. It’s been quite overwhelming for someone who, in the kindest sense, isn’t that loud. He doesn’t put himself out there.”
The Social Media networks have shown once again just how close the non-league football family is, with good wishes arriving for Solly and Chatham from all levels of the local game; from Charlton Athletic (where Solly’s brother, Chris, plies his trade) to Rochester United, and all across both Ryman North and South. Former Chatham players, Alfie May, Austin Gacheru, Garry Tilley (who himself knows about the recovery from a broken leg) and Jack Jeffery also showed their support, along with local MP Tracey Crouch, who has been a supporter of the club’s community efforts.
Watson added, “we’ve started a collection today, and people mustn’t feel embarrassed about contributing, because anything will help. He’ll be off work through this, and the club will do everything possible to help. As I said, the players won’t be paid for that performance today, so some of that money will go to help.”
“Matt hasn’t asked for any of this, and was quite embarrassed when the bucket was going round, which is why he walked away. But I’ve talked to him and said it’s not so much about what he wants, it’s about what people want to show for him. To play for one club for so long – albeit with a short spell away – and still be quite young is incredible.”
“We’ve spoken about a testimonial, as he’s not only respected at the club, he’s got that respect from non-league football. We’ll try to sort out a benefit game with some ex-league players and celebrities against a Chatham Town XI, which should be a fun day, and hopefully people will come out for it.”
More information will follow as arrangements are published.