How skipper of giant-tamers Bromley helped out young injured fans

By Rachel Steinberg

 

A Bromley FC supporter thanked captain Jack Holland after the footballer aided a boy injured during the FA Cup clash at Brighton Rovers on Sunday.

Stanley, 10, was pushed into a pole and bumped his head during a celebration following Bromley’s thrilling late-game leveller against the League One Rovers.

Family friend Jessica, 12, also suffered minor injuries when she was caught in the revelry after Bromley equalized with a man down.

Jessica’s father Ben Toovey said both children missed some school this week as a result of their injuries but are now feeling better.

He said he was grateful for the captain’s help following the accident.

Mr Toovey, who accompanied the children to the match, said: “It was a bit of a nightmare, really.

“I had four paramedics looking after two kids. Stanley had a lump on his head the size of a golf ball.”

Holland paid a surprise visit to the side of the pitch were the children were being treated.

The captain picked Stanley up and carried him across the pitchto the dressing room to meet the team.

Holland encouraged Stanley to put on a brave face and raise a victorious fist to the chanting Bromley supporters as they crossed the ground.

Mr Toovey said: “Holland was buzzing. He was so great with the kids. He’d do anything to help.”

The Bromley-based family have supported their local club for a decade but Mr Toovey said they’d never experienced this level of interaction with the players.

“The kids were a bit shaken up from what happened,” he said.

“Being with the players helped relieve that.”

Mr Toovey’s son Bobby, 9, was thrilled to meet Holland, his favourite player, and spend time with team.

The injured children received further medical attention in the clubhouse before being discharged after about an hour.

Mr Toovey had nothing but praise for his local club, including Holland and manager Neil Smith, who also spent some time with the children.

Sunday’s 1-1 draw means National League Bromley will replay Rovers at home ground Hayes Lane in a televised match on Tuesday.

Mr Toovey is delighted the BT Sport floodlights will shine on his local team.

He said: “Little Bromley is making big noises at the moment.

“It’s the small clubs that get forgotten about so hopefully we can get the win.”

Mr Toovey is planning to attend the replay on Tuesday.

He isn’t yet sure if he’ll bring the kids—but not because of their experience on Sunday.

“It’s a school night!” he said.

SLP contacted Bristol Rovers for comment but they had not replied when this story went to press.