Manchester United footballer awarded record £4.3million

A young Man Utd footballer whose dreams were ended by a horror tackle was yesterday awarded a record £4.3million.

The huge compensation to Ben Collett, now a 23-year-old student, reflects the loss of what promised to be a glittering Premiership career.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believed Ben had an "outstanding" chance of stardom.

He had joined United's youth academy aged nine and at 18 was a member of the club's 2003 FA Youth Cup-winning team.

But just weeks later, playing in his first reserve game and on the verge of being offered a three-year contract, his leg was broken in two places by Middlesbrough's Gary Smith.

The injury was so severe that Ben was forced to abandon his dreams and quit the game he loved.

Both Smith and Middlesbrough FC admitted liability for the "negligent" tackle through their insurers and a High Court judge yesterday awarded Ben the £4.3million.

The figure could rise to £4.5million when sums for future loss of pension and interest on past loss of earnings are added. In a statement after the hearing in London, his solicitor Jan Levinson said: "Ben and his family are happy that this case has finally come to a close and that Ben is now able to move on to the next chapter.

"The size of the award made by the court reflects his talent and potential as one of the brightest young footballers in the country.

"Having said that, Ben would have preferred to earn this sum through a full career as a professional footballer.

The judgment is the highest award ever given to a professional sportsman or sportswoman."

Ben is to study English at Leeds University later this year.

In her ruling, Mrs Justice Swift said: "I found him most impressive. He was intelligent and has brought to his studies the same dedication and commitment he applied to football."

Evidence about his ability and achievements "was all one way".

Describing the accident, the judge said: "The tackle was high and over the ball and, as a consequence, the claimant suffered a fracture of the tibia and fibula of his right leg."

An earlier hearing was told Ben could have earned £13,000 a week and a career total of £16million if he had played until 35.

Sir Alex had told High Court in Manchester last month: "The boy showed fantastic focus, a great attitude to work hard - and they are qualities to give any player an outstanding chance."

United legend Paddy Crerand said Ben could have been a big star. Club captain Gary Neville added: "He would have had a successful career."

£1M COMPO FOR BROKEN CAREERS

Ben Collett is not the first footballer to win damages for a career-ending tackle.

Fellow former Man United player Chris Casper got £1million after his leg was broken in a tackle by Cardiff City's Richard Carpenter in 1999.

Bradford City striker Gordon Watson was awarded £1million after suing defender Kevin Gray and Huddersfield Town over a challenge which broke his leg in two places in 1997.

Tottenham defender Danny Thomas got £130,000 for a knee injury from QPR's Gavin Maguire in 1987. And Torquay defender John Uzzell was given an undisclosed sum from Brentford striker Gary Blissett after his cheekbone was broken in a challenge in 1991.

The awards dwarf those given to personal injury claimants, who only get up to £22,650 for a broken leg. Forces personnel with multiple injuries can get £285,000.