Stone vows to return from horrendous leg break

CRAIG STONE has vowed to be at Stonebridge Road on Tuesday night to support his Ebbsfleet United team-mates - as they bid to reach the semi-finals of the FA Carlsberg Trophy without him, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 20-year-old former Gillingham midfielder was stretchered off during the first half of the goal-less draw at Wrexham yesterday.

And the player’s father, Malc, posting a message on the club’s fans’ forum, updated concerned supporters about his son’s depressing situation in north Wales.

“He has asked me to pass on his heart felt thanks for all the messages he has received both on the fans’ forum and in text messages,” he told www.eufcforum.com.

“I would also like to thank you from all his family as your good wishes and support are greatly received and are warmly appreciated.

“Both I and Craig’s partner arrived at Wrexham hospital at around 11:30 last night, to a depressed and emotional young man, feeling his career was in jeopardy.

“When awake and on planet earth, due to the morphine, he continually picked up his phone to read the messages family, friends and fans had sent him wishing him well.

“Often words are said at times like this, but I speak with honesty when he said he was upset this bad injury had come at a time when he felt he was in form and had started to win the fans over and was enjoying a time when he had become to build up a rapport with them.

“He is determined to be home from Wrexham tomorrow and is also determined to be at the game on Tuesday, he says even if I have to push him all the way to Stonebridge Road in a wheelchair.

“I would like to add my warmest thanks to all the staff of Ebbsfleet United who looked after Craig with professionalism and warmth, and for their concern, being constantly in touch to enquire about his well being.

“Also they looked after both his partner and me at all times and insisted they were at the end of a phone call. Also to Wrexham, who have also been in constant contact to ask of Craig’s welfare and have gone out of their way to make sure all his and his families needs have been met.”

A club spokesperson also gave an updated on Stone’s injury today.

“Craig has had surgery on his leg to straighten the break,” she said. “It was a double break, both tib and fib, quite high up his shin.

“The plan originally was to pin it, but on further inspection, doctors decided that it would be better for Craig not to, as the pin would have been near to his knee and may have caused him problems in the future.

“He has a full length cast, which will remain on for approximately eight weeks, before they put on a lightweight cast.

“Craig himself is positive, and is looking to make the quickest recovery possible. He is looking to pull on an Ebbsfleet United shirt as soon as possibly can, and would like to thank everyone for their concern and their support. He hopes to be home within the next couple of days.

“Louise, his partner, also said that Wrexham Football Club have been brilliant, supporting her in any way they possibly can whilst Craig is in hospital there.”

The Fleet certainly hope history repeats itself as they bid to go all the way to Wembley Stadium to keep their hands on the silverware they won last May, with THAT famous 1-0 victory over Torquay United.

Last season, Liam Daish’s men came away from Burton Albion with a draw in the quarter-finals, before Stacy Long’s dramatic late extra time goal sealed a famous 1-0 replay win, before the Fleet knocked out Aldershot Town in the two-legged semi-finals.

With a passionate Fleet side - and the Stonebridge Road faithful behind them - COME ON EVERYBODY LETS RAISE THE ROOF ON TUESDAY NIGHT - the Fleet have plenty in their locker to replicate those famous performances last season to go all the way this season and keep the FA Trophy here in Kent.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk would like to wish Craig Stone a speedy recovery

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Visit Ebbsfleet United's website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Ebbsfleet United v Wrexham
FA Carlsberg Trophy Quarter-Final Replay
Tuesday 24^th February 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9GN