GENEROUS football fans have splashed out more than £4,500 to pay for ex-Stalybridge Celtic player Paddy Lacey to have surgery.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who left Celtic in September to join Chester FC, ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee in a Boxing Day fixture at AFC Telford.
Lacey requires an operation followed by a period of rehabilitation which will restrict his ability to work outside football.
The club, which set up the JustGiving page, said: “Whilst Chester FC continue to support Paddy during his recovery neither they, or any insurance, are able to cover the cost of the operation or other loss of earnings as such any contribution is welcome to support Paddy.”
Lacey joined Celtic in January 2020 signing an 18-month contract following his release by Southport.
He made only five appearances for Celtic before lockdown last March and was allowed to join National League North side Chester FC in September.
While playing for Chester FC, Lacey was also pursuing a promising boxing career.
Liverpool-based Lacey launched his career at Sheffield Wednesday but, after his release aged 18, signed for Bradford City.
He then had spells at Altrincham and Barrow before being signed by Accrington Stanley for whom he made his debut against Burnley in the EFL Cup. He made 17 first-team appearances, scoring one goal.
Lacey had his contract with Stanley terminated when he was handed a 14-month ban by the Football Association after failing a drugs test following a match.
Since leaving Stanley, Lacey has played non-league for Southport, Stalybridge Celtic and Chester FC.
Fans can contribute to the fundraising online: https://tinyurl.com/m62gtglc