Poole Town star Howes forced to quit due to injury (with video) (From Bournemouth Echo)

Poole Town star Howes forced to quit due to injury (with video)

8:10am Friday 22nd March 2013 in Sport By Neil Perrett

POOLE Town boss Tom Killick last night described as “devastating” the news of Dolphins midfielder Glenn Howes being forced to call time on his non-league career.

Howes, a leisure centre manager, yesterday reluctantly made the decision after sustaining a serious leg injury during Poole’s 2-2 draw at Merthyr Town last month (see video above).

The 29-year-old was caught on the left leg by a challenge from Martyrs’ Nathan Davies, who was immediately sent off in the clash at Penydarren Park.

And following a number of consultations with specialists, Howes discovered he had ruptured medial and posterior cruciate ligaments, damaged cartilage and fractured the knee joint in the tackle.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “It is devastating news, which is compounded by the circumstances in which the injury was sustained.

“To think that the perpetrator of the tackle received a three-match ban for finishing someone’s career is unpalatable.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo last month, Killick had said of the tackle: “I thought it was extremely reckless and unnecessary. We were disappointed with the tackle and are concerned at the consequences it may have for Glenn, not just from a footballing perspective.”

When contacted by the Daily Echo yesterday, Howes had been too distressed to conduct an interview having just been given the news he would be unable to play again.

Merthyr chairman Meurig Price, speaking to the Echo last month, said: “The tackle was a foul and it was a sending off. But it wasn’t as bad as it looked. After Nathan had been sent off, I went into the dressing room and I saw the mess on his leg as well.

“I asked Nathan what had happened and he said it was a clash of shins. He said he didn’t go in with his studs showing and that the other guy had come off worse. Nathan is not that kind of player and would never go into a tackle to hurt another player.”

Clubs and players tonight took to social network site Twitter to give messages of support to Howes.

Alan from Tiverton Town said: "Terrible shame to hear about Glenn Howes being forced to quit. Hope Poole Town FC can push on and win the pot for him now."

Poole backroom man Gavin Reeves said: "Terrible news to hear Howsie may never play again. Unbelievable one reckless tackle can ruin a player's career. Top man Howsie, thoughts are with you."

Mangotsfield United Tweeted: "Sorry to hear news of Glenn Howes' career being ended due to injury sustained at Merthyr Town."

And Swanage Town & Herston said: "Awful news regarding Glenn Howes' retirement due to his serious knee injury. Our thoughts are with the player and your club."

Howes is understood to be considering pursuing a legal action against Merthyr for the tackle and a Poole Town spokesperson confirmed they would fully support him.