Just after the turn of the century I worked for Bolton Wanderers as a physiotherapist.
I remember a reserve match away at Middlesbrough when near the end of the game Dave Norris (now at Leeds United) went for a 50/50 challenge with the keeper on the floor.
He managed to sneak a foot in front of the keeper and nick the ball into the net but appeared to get injured as he did so. I ran onto the pitch to see a gash about 3 or 4 inches long where the keepers studs had met Norris's thigh.
As the game ended we got him off the pitch and into the dressing room where I suggested to reserve team manage Neil Macdonald that Norris needed stitches.
Neil sent me in search of the Middlesborough club doctor.
The doctor had left the training ground so Manager Macca took one look at Norris and said "Don't worry son. The woman on reception is a dab hand with a needle and thread - she usually stitches the numbers on the shirts."
Norris went white and looked like he was going to pass out until the manager added, " It's either that or Al can patch you up and we will get our club doctor back at the Reebok to look at it." Norris brightened up and said "I will be fine Gaffer."
The team bus returned to Bolton without a stop at the hospital and everyone was happy - except the injured Norris!
Memory added on October 5, 2012
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