The following is a statement from Liam Thear after receiving the news that he had suffered a ruptured ACL, side-lining him for the next 9-12 months:

"I just want to say thank you to everyone for the support they've shown me over the last couple of months. Billy, Cleughy, Jon, all of the coaching staff, and Lew have been absolutely unbelievable and I couldn't have asked for anymore and I really appreciate it.

"Thank you to all of the fans, the committee and everyone else that has messaged me as well. It goes a long way. Obviously I am gutted with the news and it has come as a bit of a shock, but I'm in good spirits.

"I've been through it before so it's much easier to deal with. I'm just focused on getting the recovery right and I can hopefully aim to be back for the start of next season!"

Dunston UTS FC Manager Jon McDonald has also shared some words:

"We are all gutted for Scrappy. He's a hugely important player for our club and he is loved by everyone, on and off the pitch. On the pitch, he is a maverick and a joy to watch, off the pitch, he is a diamond of a person.

"He has the full support of everybody at Dunston UTS and we are 100 percent behind him as he begins his recovery process. We can't wait to see him back on the pitch doing what he does best. Until then, he will remain a huge part of our dressing room."