More than £3.5k raised for son of former Bristol City midfielder after recent head injury

More than £3,500 has been raised for former Bristol City academy prospect Josh Owers after the 22-year-old sustained an injury whilst playing for Taunton Town.

Owers, son of former City star Gary Owers, came through the Robins youth ranks and although he wasn’t ever able to make a senior appearance for the Reds, he was highly thought of in the South West.

The midfielder departed Ashton Gate upon the expiry of his contract in the summer of 2023 and went on to join Yeovil Town. Last season, the 22-year-old made 15 league appearances of the Glovers in the National League South before leaving Huish Park to join AFC Totton this summer.

But after just a few months with Totton, Owers returned to the South West at the start of November, joining Taunton Town on a permanent deal.

Just over a week later, the midfielder suffered a bleed on his brain and a double fracture in his jaw following an injury in Taunton’s Southern League Premier Division South clash with Wimborne Town.

Due to a seven-day cooling off period in the 22-year-old’s insurance, he has been unable to claim against his injury, and to help raise funds for the midfielder’s recovery, Taunton boss Richard Luffman has set up a donation page.

So far, £3,745 has been raised for Owers, well over the initial £2,000 target set by Luffman and Owers has been quick to thank his manager and supporters for their donations.

“Finally home from hospital after a scary few days and surgery,” Owers wrote on X. “I just want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support I have been shown this week, it means so much. Thanks again and I look forward to hopefully making a speedy recovery.

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“I would also personally like to thank Taunton Town FC, Luffman, and all the players and supporters for the support they have shown me since it happened. I appreciate you all and look forward to seeing you soon.”

Former City star Gary Owers was also left staggered by the money raised, praising supporters for their donations.

“We’re overwhelmed with the support he’s been shown,” Gary Owers told the BBC. “Nobody asked them to do that - they just did it.

“To see all the donations and messages wishing him well has been amazing.”