The Yellow Army may have been aware recently that former Torquay United midfielder Damon Lathrope had sustained a broken leg playing for Woking FC.
It turns out that the injury caused significant damage and it has meant that he has had to retire from professional football. He faces a challenging recovery, and it is estimated that he will stay in hospital for a further two weeks.
Damon made 152 league appearances for United over two spells and played a significant part in two promotion attempts. He helped the Club reach the League Two play-off final in 2011 (pictured) and then helped United get close to promotion once again in 2012. He moved to Aldershot Town in 2014 before returning to Plainmoor in 2016. Lathrope moved to the Cards in January of this year.
“We’re hugely upset for Damon and his family and friends,” said TUFC general manager, Geoff Harrop.
“The fans have been showing their appreciation for Damon over the last couple of days, and on behalf of Torquay United we wish him a speedy recovery and thank him for his service to the Club. I know he will have a bright future whatever he decides to do next.
“The huge amount of support out there for Damon is a testament to his popularity as a player and a person. We’ll be doing our bit to help support him come back from this huge blow.”
Fans are donating to a page setup for Damon. You can find it here: https://www.gofundme.com/damonlathrope
We will be having a collection to help support Damon at our home National League match against Woking FC (02/04/18).
Damon told Woking FC’s website:
“I’m extremely proud of my professional football career and wouldn’t have changed or done anything different. I have made my family extremely proud and this makes me very happy.
“I have no regrets but the facts are that this injury will overall end my playing career, I will continue to move forward to the future and have a career in another area of football, off the field, maybe helping to develop players. I know I have a lot to offer to the game in other ways than me physically being on the pitch.
“I’m really disappointed that I didn’t get to fulfil what I had planned at Woking as a player. It’s such a good set up and the plan looked great. I’m going to bring/offer as much to the club in any aspect that I can.
“I understand it’s going to be a long journey ahead for me to get back on my feet, but just to have this opportunity is enough for me.
“My family and I can’t thank the club enough for all of their support since the accident.”
