ALEX Pike is vowing to make an immediate return to management after collapsing during Gosport Borough’s Southern League clash with Wimborne Town on Monday.

Concerned players and officials from both clubs rushed to his aid after Colehill-based Pike had slumped to the ground towards the end of Gosport’s 5-3 win over the Magpies.

Pike was attended to by club medical staff before paramedics arrived at Gosport’s Privett Park and stretchered him into a waiting ambulance where he received further treatment.

He was later allowed to return to his Dorset home but will continue to be closely monitored by his doctor and has been signed-off work for a fortnight.

Speaking to the Daily Echo yesterday morning, Pike said: “I hadn’t eaten properly for a few days and hadn’t been doing the right things which caused me to collapse. I know the reasons why and will put them right as I get back on the road to recovery.

“I would like to thank everybody who helped me and have been so appreciative of the support from well wishers. I have received text messages from people I hadn’t heard from in years.

“I thought I had this arrogant image in football and people either loved or hated me. Judging by the messages I’ve had, there seem to be quite a few people who love me and that has been very touching and a pleasant surprise.”

Pike, who famously managed Wimborne to FA Vase glory at Wembley in 1992, had earlier seen Gosport race into a 5-0 lead before the Magpies reduced the arrears through goals from Jamie Davidson (2) and Ryan Wignall.

Wimborne boss Steve Cuss said: “Football is not important when something like this happens. Alex is a good man and a top manager who has made an outstanding contribution to non-league football.

“What happened was frightening and scary for all concerned and everyone at Wimborne Town would like to pass on their best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.”

During the Division One South & West encounter, Cuss had been left to rue a catastrophic start by the Magpies as Justin Bennett’s hat-trick and goals from George Way and Adam Wilde had seen Gosport forge 5-0 ahead after just 18 minutes.

However, a spirited response saw them battle back to make it 5-2 at the break before Davidson’s second goal 15 minutes from time set up a grandstand finish to what had been an absorbing contest, albeit overshadowed by Pike’s collapse which caused a 15-minute delay.

Cuss added: “It was a crazy first 20 minutes when our organisation and decision-making had been poor. Although we got a foothold after that, you are left with a mountain to climb when you give a team a 5-0 start.”

Magpies: Ackerman, Arnold, Cole, Jamison (Clowes, 25), Peprah-Annan, Magookin (Cream, 25), Davidson, Webb, Kemble, Wignall (Lynch, 70), Jeffes. Unused subs: Dear, Collins (g/k).