CHIPPENHAM Town's Rob Dean has been told that he'll never play football again.
The 24-year-old, from Swindon, suffered a horrific knee dislocation in last month's abandoned Calor League Premier Division clash against Hungerford Town at Bulpitt Lane and has spent the majority of the last 15 days in Swindon's Great Western Hospital.
Dean has undergone two operations on his damaged knee, with the latest taking place yesterday, but Bluebirds manager Mark Collier has confirmed that the midfielder was told by surgeons that his career is expected to be over.
Chippenham's players and board of directors were informed of their colleague's desperate news today and a collection for the Bluebirds man was held during last weekend's home game against Biggleswade Town.
Dean, who works for Nationwide, joined Chippenham from Swindon Supermarine in November last year and had impressed during his spell at Hardenhuish Park, scoring seven goals in a Bluebirds shirt.
The midfielder has also previously played for Hellenic League Highworth Town and Division One South & West Cirencester Town.
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