Portsmouth players past and present rally around budding footballer after serious knee injury

Current Blues stars Ben Close, Sean Raggett, Craig MacGillivray and Harry Kavanagh have all shown their support for the Moneyfields under-18s player who recently damaged both his medial and cruciate ligaments in pre-season.

Meanwhile, Jed Wallace – now at Millwall – has also put his weight behind a campaign launched by Josh’s dad Anthony to help raise money for a much-needed operation.

A GoFundMe page has been set up in the hope of raising £8,000 for the youngster, who was about to start a two-year colleague course in association with Pompey in the Community.

That move was taken as a result of NHS waiting lists amid the coronavirus pandemic and the desire to see Josh get back to his footballing promising career and education as soon as possible.

A message from Anthony to potential donators on the page reads: ‘Josh is a budding footballer and was just about to embark on an exciting journey with Moneyfields U18s and on a 2 year football course with Pompey Development.

‘Unfortunately during pre-season he has torn his medial ligament and ACL.

‘Due to NHS waiting lists this could end his chance of furthering his football career and making it impossible for him to complete his college course.

‘I am asking for donations to help with surgery costs. if this story means something to you then any little amount will help both his physical and mental health and help him just play football again.

‘Any donations over the cost of the surgery will be shared between Moneyfields FC and Portsmouth In The Community.’

So far, more than £2,700 has been raised towards the cost of the young Pompey fans’ surgery.

And no doubt help from Josh’s favourite players has helped with the fundraising.

Close, Raggett, MacGillivray, Kavanagh and Wallace have all shared the appeal via their social media accounts.

Meanwhile, donations have been placed, too, as the Pompey family come together for one of their own.

On his Twitter page, Close said: ‘I was gutted for Josh when I heard the extent of his injury.

‘He’s a great lad who plays the game with so much heart and energy.

‘Let’s get him back on that pitch as soon as possible. Any contributions are hugely appreciated!’

If you want to help Josh’s fightback from this terrible injury, simply CLICK HERE.

All donations are gratefully received.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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