Footballer plays with broken back
Wednesday 25th February 2009, 11:38AM GMT.
Brave Shropshire footballer Jamie Vermiglio defied the risk of permanent medical damage to help his side come within one tie of a Wembley final – by playing with a broken back.
The 26-year-old AFC Telford star even signed a disclaimer before last night’s FA Trophy replay saying he accepted the risk of playing with a stress fracture of his spine against medical advice.
The midfield ace may now never kick a football again after being told he is risking serious damage if he continues to play with the injury.
School teacher Vermiglio played the first half of last night’s 1-0 victory over South- port before being substituted in a tactical reshuffle.
The injury could spell the end of his dreams of playing in a Wembley final if the Bucks can beat York City in a two-legged semi-final next month.
He played the first 45 minutes of last night’s game at Haig Avenue before making way after right-back Lee Vaughan was sent off just before half-time.
The Bucks held firm and won the game thanks to a late goal from Carl Rodgers to book their Trophy semi-final spot.
After the game an emotional Bucks boss Rob Smith told the Shropshire Star: “That victory was for Jamie. He had his scan results come through on Monday and I’d say his career looks very short-lived now.
“He’s got a fracture on his back and he shouldn’t be playing football. He was told not to play any more this season but he wanted to sign a disclaimer to play against my wishes, the club’s wishes and medical wishes.
“My heart goes out to him because, barring a miracle, he will have to hang up his boots. All the lads knew and that performance was for him.”
Vermiglio has been struggling for fitness in recent months but didn’t realise his problems were being caused by the stress fracture.
He said: “I’ve been advised not to play again and I’m in bits about it, I’m absolutely gutted. They weren’t going to play me and I basically had to beg.
“I was sending text message after text message trying to persuade the gaffer to play me because, although I’m in pain, how often do you get to play in the FA Trophy quarter-finals with a possible chance of playing at Wembley?”
Exclusive by Chris Hudson
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Best wishes Jamie lad.
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Who says that there isnt commitment in non-league footy. Best of luck with the York match another game of blood, sweat and tears
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How stupid!
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Seems a bit of a stupid thing to do.
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Shame on the manager for allowing an injured man to play.
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Dan can you not see it was the players choice not the managers.
As either a Shrewsbury fan or someone who knows nothing about football (Both the same) you clearly don’t understand the commitment that some players have to the cause. One’s like Jamie makes the game as special as it can be sometimes!
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seems a silly thing to do but that is what u call commitment to the cause now rest up and get get well soon maybe in time for the final
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Fran and dan think of something you love whether it be your mum, girlfriend, son, daughter and times it by 10 then maybe you will understand how much he loves football.
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What a legend!
Hope the team makes it to Wembley for him.
That’s commitment!
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now thats dedication.. fair play to him and i wish him a speedy recovery.. oh and by the way… many congrats to all the boys for a fantastic result. good luck in semis
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what idiots on here slating someone for not giving up!
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Hi Jamie
If you read this give Dr George Roth a call in Canada 905-726-8770 he may be able to help you, a revolutionary non evasive medical procedure.
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good lad, hard as nails
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wish you all the best jamie and you get your dream of playing at wembley. I for one hope you get there along with the rest of super bucks
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There is only one way the word “committed” should be used when referring to this act of foolishness – it would involve a visit from the men in white coats driving a padded van.
Irrespective of the result, the Manager was completely irresponsible – no waiver would have saved his butt if something bad had happened.
Out of interest Matrix, if a surgery is non-evasive, does that mean we all have to have it because it can’t be avoided ?
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So he signed a disclaimer, and played against the wishes of the manager and medics ? He is obviously a very brave and dedicated lad, it really is a shame that with all the money in the game at the top level, a lad who plays for not much money, but mainly the enjoyment might have to give up. However, its shocking that a manager, who claims didn’t want to pick him, actually did ! Rob Smith must take a hard look at himself, surely his number 1 priority is to look after his players . Not win at all costs !
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we will always be there for you
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Jamie all the very best, you are special, your character will be missed on the pitch but i hope there is something for you at the club even if its just banter with the players and fans
AFC without Jamie is like cheese without crackers
Good luck, hope you do make it back at some poin, but please think of your future
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he signed a disclaimer, and played against the wishes of the manager and medics -yeah right – the manager could have decided not to select him to play, the medics could have been more forceful and what about the insurance – surely if worse had come to worse then he wouldn’t have been able to claim anything from anyone – a stupid move and a bad role model to those who need a role model to show responsibility for their health and futures. utterly naive and frankly Despicable!
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Good on the lad, this shows the kind of commitment missing in larger clubs. However, he is risking permanent injury for the sake of one game so personally I think it would be a better idea if Jaime didn’t play, he needs to get the fracture sorted first and recover so he can contribute more in the future for AFC, it wouldn’t be very good if they lost one of their most committed players for the sake of one game. Lets hope for the best for him and AFC.
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I used to work with Jamie and know just how much he loves playing football. Absolutely devastated for him. Hope he gets to play at Wembley and if it doesn’t clash with my club’s game and Telford make it, I’ll be there to watch him on his proudest day in football.
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