A FOOTBALL-mad Worcester man, who has had to put his playing days on hold after suffering a serious leg injury, is hoping to make his mark as a manager by setting up a Sunday league team.

Dean Price suffered a double fracture to his right leg in a training match earlier this year and spent 16 weeks in plaster.

The 24-year-old, who has played the game since the age of 10, was told he might not kick a ball again but is hopeful of one day returning to competitive action.

Determined not to let his injury get him down, Price decided to form a team among friends and, on August 31, Blue Star FC will make their debut in Worcester Sunday League Division Four against Glovers Needle.

The keen sportsman, who also played tennis and boxed, did all the work behind the scenes, including league registration and generating the money to enter the competition.

The players raised around £400, but Associated Blue Star Taxis, who have given their name to the team, came up with £800 in sponsorship.

Price said: “I have played football all my life, but broke my leg in January playing at Nunnery Wood on the astroturf.

“I am still a long way from being fit, my leg’s just not strong enough.

“Not being able to do anything was depressing. I looked at coaching but that was too expensive, so I had a ring around and sent e-mails right, left and centre to get a team together. I spoke to the Worcestershire Fotball Association and the Worcester League to make sure we could get in the league because there has been quite a few teams sign up.

“I am organising all the games and coaching. I thought if I am still the manager, I still get a lot of input.

“I try and involve myself in training but I can’t kick a ball or tackle and, being a defender, it’s important to be able to tackle. There’s no chance I will play this season.”

Blue Star, who play their home games at Diglis, have around 14 players in the squad and Price cannot wait for the new season to begin.

He added: “I am pretty confident, we have got a good bunch of lads but, even if we don’t win too many, we are up for the games.”