Shock at attack on top player (From Bournemouth Echo)

Shock at attack on top player

7:00pm Tuesday 15th July 2008 in

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THE man left fighting for life after a sickening attack in Bournemouth town centre on Sunday morning has been identified as one of the area's top footballers.

Hamworthy United midfielder Tom Vavrecka, who turned 23 yesterday, is currently in a critical but stable condition in Southampton hospital's neurological unit.

The attack happened just hours after the Wessex League star, who recently moved from Wimborne Town, had made an outstanding debut for the Hammers in a pre-season friendly.

He was thought to be out celebrating his birthday with friends in Bournemouth when violence flared near Wiggle table dancing club on Old Christchurch Road at around 1.20am.

Mr Vavrecka, from Lytchett Matravers, fell to the ground and suffered a very serious head injury.

Christer Warren, Wimborne Town manager who worked with Mr Vavrekca last season, described the popular player as a "diamond".

He said: "It's devastating to think something like this can happen to such a nice lad.

"Everyone at the club wishes Tom and his family well."

Adam Batchelor, assistant manager at Wimborne, said Mr Vavrecka had a promising future in the game.

He said: "He is a young lad with it all ahead of him and it would be shocking if something like this affected his career."

Following his Hamworthy debut on Saturday, his manager Phil Simkin sung the praises of his new signing in the Daily Echo, describing his display as "absolutely outstanding" and of a "different class".

Mr Vavrecka is in the middle of a business degree at Bournemouth University and is currently on a year's work placement with a Wareham security firm.

He had been working as a barman at the Chequers Inn in Lytchett Matravers and landlady Kay Stone said everyone at the pub was stunned by the sudden news.

Tarik Karl Bilgic, 21, from Andover, Hampshire, appeared before Bournemouth magistrates yesterday charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Call them on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

• Football world in shock - see Sport.