Midfielder Jamie Vermiglio today issued a heartfelt ‘thanks’ to the AFC Telford United fans who have eased the pain of his potentially career-ending broken back.

Vermiglio has been told he should stop playing immediately or risk permanent damage to his nervous system – yet still took to the field for the FA Trophy victory at Southport after signing a legal disclaimer.

The 26-year-old teacher is understandably distraught at the prospect of hanging up his boots but admits he has been moved by the goodwill he has received from fans.

“The way they were singing my name at Hyde last week was unbelievable,” he said. “I’d heard the song before and it’s great, but that particular day it was like there were a few extra thousand decibels bouncing around the ground.

“It sounds like a cliche but it gave me goosebumps and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I felt so proud.

“The fans on the internet have been great, too. There’s been so many messages of support and they’ve even set up a Facebook group for me.

“I’ve really taken heart from it and I’ve read every message so I want to thank everyone for what they’ve done.”

Vermiglio is now waiting for a second medical opinion, though his hopes of seeing top Harley Street chiropractor Antoni Jakubowski appear to have been dashed.

The club tried to contact American specialist Jakubowski, known as ‘Jack the Back’ and who has treated some of the world’s top sports stars, but have been told he is retiring.

“I spoke to Lee Carter (chairman) and to Wyn Pryce (vice-chairman) and both of them want to sort things out for me as quickly as possible,” he added.

“They were trying to get in touch with Jack the Back, who is based in London. Unfortunately we believe he may now be retired and living in Ireland.”

l AFC Telford United striker Danny Carey-Bertram has been announced as the Blue Square North player of the month for February.

The former Hereford marksman bagged three goals in the league as well as one in the FA Trophy tie with Southport to take his tally since joining the club to 17.

Meanwhile, there have been further changes to Telford’s fixture list after league officials and Setanta agreed to postpone the final of the Setanta Shield, which had been scheduled to be televised on Thursday, March 26.

The Bucks will now play their northern area final at Barrow on that date, with the trip to Blyth Spartans going ahead as originally planned on Tuesday, March 17.