THE dream of a Premier League finals campaign has come to a disappointing end for one of Tamworth FC's favourite sons.
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Sam Williams has been ruled out of the remainder of the season after suffering a badly broken arm during his side's 2-0 win over Oxley Vale Attunga on Saturday.
Williams' injury occurred with just five minutes left in the match, when his team had all but secured a victory.
"Basically, I was going for a 50-50 ball and had to put my body on the line," Williams told the Leader.
"I was pretty unlucky that the Mushies' striker kicked more of my arm than the ball and caused fractures in both bones.
"No one is really to blame for it; it is just one of those things."
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FC coach Greg Bartlett said it was a "real shame".
"Sam had predominantly played reserve grade for us last year and worked his guts out to be a regular first-grade starter this year," Bartlett said.
"It was a real shame, because he had worked so hard and was probably playing his best game for the season.
"Sam is really well liked around the club and will be sorely missed in our first-grade side."
Since his injury, Williams said "the entire club" had rallied around to support him.
"Everyone has been really supportive, from my family to everyone at the club," he said.
"That's what this club is really all about - getting right around each other when stuff like this happens."
The injury has not only forced Williams off the pitch, but has also sidelined him from work.
"I will have to take 10 weeks off work at this stage," he said.
"However, I am already itching to get myself right to start off the pre-season well and have a good run at next year.
"I've been playing this game since I was a kid.
"I couldn't imagine life without it, so I will be itching to get back and play."
Williams said he would be on hand to support FC as they looked to book a place in this year's grand final against North Armidale on Saturday.
"I think it is a really strong top four this season and we will have a big challenge on our hands, regardless of who we play," he said.
"Make no mistake, I'll be right there to cheer them on right throughout the finals."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
