As a Pools fan I was saddened to hear that yesterday Paddy Almond of Darlo is seriously ill in a London hospital after suffering a head injury at Southend United. I wish him a speedy recover and know that plenty of Pools fans will.

Strangely enough the ref at the Swindon Town V Grimsby Town match was KO'd in the 11th minute after being hit in the head with a ball clearance. Hoping too he makes a full recovery. Don't like seeing these injuries in football.

Almond wears a headband to protect his head when heading the ball. It seems he headed a ball on the top of his head rather than the forehead and thats what caused the problem.
The game was stopped while the ref was talking to Almond and there was a bit of pointing at the head band, we thought the ref was concerned about it not being regulation kit, but it seems Alun Armstrong asked the ref to check he was ok as he looked a bit off. It carried on and he just went down with nobody around him.
What was very distasteful was a local photographer was walking round pitchside to try and get a better picture. The Darlo players sent him packing but he was still trying to take pics even after they confronted him.

Awful, hope he is well and makes a full recovery

Hope he makes a full recovery soon.

In case any of you are feeling particularly generous towards the old enemy........

https://darlingtonfc.co.uk/news/go-fund-me-fundraiser-for-paddy-almond

Already at £4900 of a £4500 target! A few fans from other clubs chipping in.

Hope he makes a full recovery.