12 years ago I broke my neck. I had to make new plans. Today we achieved them

Worthing FC owner George Dowell has reflected on the club reaching the National League - almost 12 years on from the day his life - and the course of the club's history - changed forever.
By Steve Bone
Published 9th Apr 2022, 19:32 BST
Updated 9th Apr 2022, 20:02 BST
George Dowell at Worthing FCGeorge Dowell at Worthing FC
George Dowell at Worthing FC

Dowell has ploughed major sums into the Woodside Road club after being compensated for the April 2010 car accident that left him unable to walk again. He was 17 and a promising footballer, who played for Worthing FC.

He used the compensation he received to buy the football club, which at the time was in trouble. The aim was always to build things up and get the club to the National League - and now that is where they are heading.

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After the team clinched the Isthmian premier title and promotion with a 2-0 win at Bowers and Pitsea, Dowell tweeted: "Almost 12 years to the day I broke my neck. I had to make new plans for my life and today we achieved them! My hometown club in the @TheVanaramaNL and, arguably equally as important, now on @FootballManager. Very proud day! Time to celebrate."

Worthing themselves tweeted: "George Dowell had a dream To save this football team Mission accomplished."

Dowell was one of many figures connected with the club to comment on the success, with plenty of players tweeting their delight.

Jasper Pattenden said: "Honestly couldn’t be happier! Enjoy it mackerels."

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Dayshonne Golding added: "WE DONE IT! @IsthmianLeague PREM CHAMPIONS!" Pat Webber said: "What a group, up the maccies."

Danny Barker tweeted: "What a club - champions baby." Top scorer Ollie Pearce said: "At last ... up the mackerels." And Dean Cox said: "Don’t you know pump it up the reds are going up."

Related topics:National LeagueWorthing FC