Echo Sport
Cherries: Kennedy relives Purches injury horror
7:00am Wednesday 22nd February 2012
ROCHDALE midfielder Jason Kennedy has re-lived the sickening moment when he realised stricken Cherries star Stephen Purches had been seriously injured.
Kennedy was involved in the challenge that resulted in Purches sustaining a badly broken right leg during Cherries’ 1-0 defeat at Spotland on Saturday.
Purches required surgery after fracturing the tibia and fibula and is expected to be sidelined for between six to nine months.
The 32-year-old, who was yesterday discharged from Royal Oldham Hospital, has been inundated with messages of support – with Kennedy one of his first well-wishers.
In an interview with the Daily Echo, Kennedy said: “I felt terrible after I knew what had happened. Even though it was a fair 50-50 challenge, you don’t want to see something like that happen to an opponent.
“The ball was rolling towards him and we both went in for a block tackle. I didn’t realise he had been injured and carried on playing for a few seconds. But I stopped as soon as I heard him in agony and could hear him screaming with the pain.
“When I went over, I could see he was in a bad way. At first, I was a bit unsure about what had happened but it soon became apparent he was seriously injured.
“I tried to get on with the game but spent most of it wondering what had happened. We needed to win but that took the gloss off it for me. Being involved in an incident when a fellow professional had been badly injured was on my mind more than us winning.”
Kennedy, 25, added: “I got his number straight after the game and sent him a text wishing him all the best and for a speedy recovery.
“It is a horrible thought and will stay with me for a while.
“I would like to thank the Bournemouth players because they didn’t over-react and knew it was a fair challenge. I read Lee Bradbury’s comments as well and he said they had no issues with the challenge so I appreciated that as well.
“Everybody’s thoughts are with Stephen and I just hope he is back playing as quickly as possible.”
Purches, who last month signed a new two-and-a-half year contract, received hospital visits from team-mates Marc Pugh and Michael Symes, together with former Cherries assistant boss Jason Tindall.
Cherries physio Steve Hard, who stayed in hospital with Purches, told the club website: “The surgery went well. He had a plate inserted and fixed with screws.
“He will be in a cast for two weeks while the scars heal and then in a protective boot.
“He will be on crutches for a minimum of six weeks and the initial estimation for a return is six to nine months.
“I am liaising with a surgeon in Bournemouth who will take over his rehabilitation.”