Soham Town Rangers Reserves goalkeeper Chris ‘CJ’ Gibson is staying positive despite being told he will never play football again after suffering a horrific double leg break last weekend.

Gibson, who had coached Soham’s under 18s side for 10 years before leaving the club two years ago, broke both bones in his left leg, as well as dislocating his ankle after landing awkwardly in the Greens’ clash with Cambridge University Press.

The 32-year-old was then rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital and had nine pins and two metal plates surgically inserted into his leg.

He was later told he would never play the sport he loves again.

Despite his heartbreaking news, the former Wisbech Town stopper is looking to the future and says that he can now focus on coaching his children into long careers in the sport.

He said: “Football is my love. I’ve played professionally, semi-professionally and coached at a high level, and for it all to go just like that is a killer.

“But life goes on and I’ll be working hard to recover my fitness and watch my team as well as my daughter and stepson competing for their sides.”

Gibson previously had hopes of a professional career dashed by injury, and says that the support he’s received from friends, family and fellow footballers has helped him through the pain of early retirement.

“I’ve received so much support from all over the county within the football family,” he said.

“Even an hour after the game was abandoned, team-mates were on social media messaging me support. My other half, Alison, has been my rock, as when they delivered the news of me being forced to retire I was in pieces.

“In 2002 I missed out on a professional career due to breaking my foot and although I’ve played at a high level, it all ends for me at the age of 32.

“I want to thank everyone at Soham Town Rangers, Cambridge University Press and the paramedics for their quick thinking, treatment and support.”