Southend United keeper Mel Capleton has said a big thank you to all the Blues fans who have given him their support.

The popular custodian broke his right leg during a sickening reserve team collision against Brentford at Roots Hall more than three weeks ago.

However, the 27-year-old shot-stopper is keeping his spirits high as he embarks on the long road to recovery.

"The fans have been brilliant," said Capleton. "Every time my wife Vicky goes to the front door someone seems to have posted a card through the letter box wishing me all the best.

"I didn't know so many people knew where I lived, but it's nice to be thought of and I'd like to thank the fans for their support as it helps me remain positive."

Capleton also spoke for the First time about the horror accident which could sideline him for the best part of nine months.

"All I can remember is being committed to going for the ball as the Brentford player ran towards me," he explained.

"You don't expect to get hurt and I just threw myself in, but we collided and when I tried to get up I could see my leg was hanging off.

"I stayed down and my body went into deep shock - I didn't feel too much pain."

Capleton was rushed straight to hospital for an emergency operation after suffering a transverse fracture, breaking both his fibula and tibia.

However, the goalkeeper hopes to be back better than ever once he regains full fitness.

"Luckily the break was very clean so it should mend well," Capleton said. "The doctors had to insert a pin into the bone marrow straight through my knee, with additional screws on the side of the bone holding it in place.

"I've been told that it will take between six and eight months to make a full recovery from my injury.

"But everybody's different and I'm not going to rush myself back. I need to let nature take it's course and give my body a chance to heal itself properly."

Capleton has been back home in Wickford for two weeks now and he admitted his other big battle was against the boredom factor.

"It is a bit mind-numbing sitting at home with my leg elevated for the majority of the day because I'm used to being out training and working hard with the lads," he added.

"But I've been reading a few books and looking into some courses I may be able to do while I'm out action.

"The players have been round to see me and I've spoken to our old defender Simon Coleman, who had a similar injury and was good to talk to.

"I'm also lucky to have a family by my side. My wife has been brilliant, doing the work of three nurses, and I've also had my two-and-a-half year-old daughter Sydney here to keep me company."

(Right) It's agony - Southend United goalkeeper Mel Capleton lies in pain after breaking his leg in a reserve team match against Brentford

Comeback trail - Capleton hopes to recover from his injury in eight to nine months

First picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.