LANGDON player-manager Neil Cleave believes his football career is over after suffering a double leg break during a charity football tournament, writes Dean Stacey.

Cleave sustained the injury after a collision with Dawlish United youngster Craig Nosworthy in the Rowdy Blackwell Cup – an annual competition set up in memory of Rowdy, who was killed in a car crash – which was held at Sandy Lane on August 16.

While on his way to visit the former Dawlish Town and Teignmouth midfielder at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, the day after the six-team tournament, one of the organisers, Richard Morgan, feared Cleave wouldn't be able to play again – and the man himself has now confirmed this is probably the case.

'I don't think I'll play again as I wouldn't want to risk it,' said the 33-year-old, who works as a nurse at Langdon Hospital.

'It's a shame as I've been playing senior football since I was 14, but I can't complain too much as I've had a good enough career and been very lucky with injuries until now.'

Although he's likely to hang his boots up for good, Cleave, who is currently housebound with his leg in plaster and is going to be away from work for 'anything up to 12 weeks', says he intends to stay involved in the game, but is unsure whether he will continue as Langdon boss.

'I know I can't do anything for the next few months anyway,' he added. 'I've got to keep my leg elevated – it's very frustrating.'

Cleave, whose father, Dave, has stepped in to run the Langdon first team – who play in division two of the South Devon League – alongside club secretary Neil Graham, admitted that he's been overwhelmed with all the get well messages he has received.

'It's very much appreciated,' he said. 'I'd like to say a big thank you to all my family and friends for the cards, text messages and visits while I was in hospital.'