Footballer plays with broken back
[caption id="attachment_55967" align="alignright" width="175" caption="Jamie Vermiglio"][/caption] 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. 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. See our photo gallery here and read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Jamie Vermiglio" class="size-full wp-image-55967" height="130" src="http://www.shropshirestar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/jamie-vermiglio.jpg" title="Jamie Vermiglio" width="175"/>
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