CARING Stourbridge Football Club has been rallying around to help one of their players after he sustained an horrific injury.

Versatile Ben Billingham dislocated his ankle and suffered a double fracture at the same time while playing for the Glassboys at Matlock Town earlier this month.

He was taken to Chesterfield Hospital and later transferred to Russells Hall, but has since been allowed back to his Quarry Bank home.

Now Stourbridge will attempt to raise funds for the player by holding collections during their forthcoming high profile games against FC United of Manchester on November 22 and the Boxing Day clash with local rivals Halesowen Town.

But the Glassboys don't intend to stop there.

They are also proposing to stage an evening at the club for him and there's the possibility of a charity game as well.

Glassboys manager Gary Hackett confirmed: "Ben's involved with the building industry but will be unable to work for a while.

"He's on contract with the club and he'll get a bit of insurance money, but clearly he's not earning if not working so the club want to help out.

"Ben has been a very loyal player to Stourbridge and we want to be there for him."

Stourbridge chairman Andy Pountney added: "I have spoken with Ben over the past few days and he seems very upbeat and positive, while still in some considerable pain.

"He is determined to get over this awful injury and do everything that he can to get back playing football again."

The club has already set up a bank account for Ben where supporters can make donations and the efforts have already been appreciated by the player who issued a statement on his Facebook page this week saying: "Seriously overwhelmed. Stourbridge is not just a football club to me - I class it as my family.

"All proceeds will be going towards a personal trainer so I can get back into top condition."