Footballer wins record compensation after career ending injury

A promising Manchester United footballer once described as 'outstanding' by Sir Alex Ferguson has been awarded £4.3million in damages for loss of earnings after a tackle ended his career. Ben Collett, now 23, broke his right leg in two places in May 2003 during his first game with the club's reserves, following a challenge by Middlesbrough FC's Gary Smith.

The injury stopped him being offered a three-year contract with the club and the potential to earn millions of pounds in match fees and merchandising deals.
The sum was awarded after the High Court in London was told that Mr Collett could have earned more than £13,000 a week, making him more than £16million, if he had played until the age of 35.

Both Mr Smith and Middlesbrough Football Club, whose insurers will foot the compensation bill, admitted liability. Another hearing in October will decide on a sum for loss of pension and interest on money Mr Collett would have earned if had carried on playing.

Mrs Justice Swift awarded him £3,854,328 for future loss of earnings. The figure for general damages for pain and suffering, loss of amenity and loss of congenial employment was £35,000. He received £456,095 for past loss of earnings. The judge said: 'I found him (Collett) a most impressive young man. 'He was plainly intelligent and it is clear that he has brought - and will in the future bring - to his academic studies the same dedication and commitment that he formerly applied to football.'

She said that Mr Collett's 'positive attitude towards his injury and to the devastating blow of being unable to pursue his chosen career does him 'great credit'. Mr Collett's solicitor Jan Levinson said the award 'reflects Ben's talent and potential prior to the tackle as one of the brightest young footballers in the country'. 'Having said that, Ben would have preferred to have earned this through a full career in the game.' Mr Levinson added: 'The judgement announced today is the highest award ever given to a professional sportsman or sportswoman.

'Thankfully, injuries of this severity are not a common occurrence on the football or any sporting pitch, so I do not see this successful claim opening the floodgates to litigious action by sportsmen.'

Mr Collett joined Manchester United's youth academy at the age of nine and was in the club's FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2003.

Football pundits likened his playing ability to Welsh winger Ryan Giggs and tipped him to become a household name.

Sir Alex told a previous hearing: 'I thought the boy showed fantastic focus, a great attitude to work hard and they are qualities to give any player an outstanding chance in the game.'