Stanley defender leaves hospital: 'He doesn't remember much but that's nothing unusual!'

Last updated : 06 October 2011 By westfield shrimper / DSG

Accrington: Good news for Bender and Stanley fans

Accrington: Good news for Bender and Stanley fans
 
Accrington Stanley's 18-year-old defender Tom Bender, who is on loan from Colchester, is now recovering at home after he was stretchered off with severe concussion during Tuesday night's clash at the Crown Ground.

Bender needed half an hour's treatment on the pitch, including oxygen and a drip, before an ambulance took him to hospital for a brain scan, following a horrific collision with his team-mate Ian Dunbavin.

The match, which Tranmere were leading 2-1, had to be abandoned.

The father of Bender had expressed his relief after earlier visiting his son in hospital and finding him in "good spirits".

In a statement, Lee Bender said: "Tom's okay. He's in good spirits. He doesn't remember too much about it but that's nothing unusual!

"I'm just glad I was here really. I don't think he knew much about it, though. He certainly didn't acknowledge me in the hospital, he recognised his team-mate Kurtis Guthrie more than me.

"It was just a comfort to me, my wife and my family that I was able to be with him.

"The medical care he got was absolutely superb. I'd like to thank everyone from Accrington and from Tranmere and the medical staff.

"We couldn't have wished for any more. The players and management teams from both sides were great and everyone at Colchester has been brilliant too.

"We're just waiting to find out from the doctors when they are going to release him from the hospital and when he's available to come back for training and selection for the first team."

The incident happened when Bender collided with Dunbavin as the goalkeeper came out to clear a ball into the box in the 38th minute.

Bender joined Accrington last month on a season-long loan deal and made his debut as a substitute against Barnet on September 3. His first career start came in a 3-2 defeat of Carlisle in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy the following week.

He has also represented Wales at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level - coming on as a substitute in the latter's match against Hungary last month.

Southend United next take on Accrington Stanley on Sarurday, March 10th, 2012 at Roots Hall, having already won at the Crown Ground 2-1 on Saturday, August 13th.
 
What happened: http://news.bbc.co.uk
 
Stanley injury see game abandoned & JPT Round 2 Results Round-Up: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
 
Remaining Johnson's Paint Trophy Second Round results
 
(from Wednesday, October 5th)
 
Southern Section
 
Charlton Athletic 0 Brentford 3: (Report: www.teamtalk.com)
 
Northern Section
 
Crewe Alexandra 1 Macclesfield Town 0 (Report: www.teamtalk.com)
 
The Bender Files
 
Personal information
Full name Thomas Joseph Bender[1]
Date of birth 19 January 1993 (1993-01-19) (age 18)
Place of birth Harlow, England
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Playing position Defender
Club information
Current club Accrington Stanley
(on loan from Colchester United)
Number 20
Youth career
2009–2011 Colchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009– Colchester United 1 (0)
2011– → Accrington Stanley (loan) 1 (0)
National team
2008 Wales U15    
2008 Wales U16    
2009–2010 Wales U17 5 (1)
2010– Wales U19 6 (1)
2010– Wales U21 4 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 23 October 2010.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 15 August 2011
 
(Player info supplied by Wikipedia, for full info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Bender)