A FOOTBALLER who was forced to retire following a car crash used his compensation money to save his former club.

George Dowell, who played for Worthing FC, stepped in with his club less than a week from going bust.

The 22-year-old’s five-figure investment saved them from £200,000 of debt – and made him a new majority shareholder in the process.

Having been on the bench for the first team the night before the accident in Arundel Road, there was only one place he wanted the money to go.

He said: “The accident was a huge change in my life and my family's life.

“But I saw in the paper the club was struggling and I really wanted to help.

“I set up a club last year called Worthing Borough and I was actually looking for land to build a 3G pitch, so when this opportunity came about it was a no brainer.

“Work will begin on Worthing Football Club's new 3G pitch in Woodside Road on April 20 with a finish date earmarked for July 11 when the club plans to be debt-free.

The money invested by Mr Dowell will initially be pumped into the new pitch as well as clearing the debts and creating a budget for wages for the 2015-16 season.

Worthing FC will use the pitch on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays while for the rest of the week it will be opened up to the wider community.

The new director said: “After my accident I wasn't really confident enough to get straight into football until probably last season.

“With me being a former player, for people looking in they'll be able to see that my priority is the club and not myself. I think that's key.”

Manchester United fan Mr Dowell sat down with the club in December to agree the take-over bid and the paperwork was finalised last week.

With him on the board of directors is Ian Hart.

He said: “George is an inspiration to everybody, not just in football, but in life. I’m in awe of the man.

“We should embrace everything he's working towards.

“His work will benefit the whole community.

“All the time the kids of Worthing are playing football, they are not getting into trouble.

“We’re creating a better generation.”

Modest Mr Dowell, who has a 25 year lease on the ground, shrugged off his label of an inspiration and said: “It’s nice to hear, but it’s not for me to say it.”