Former professional footballer Darren Pitcher has lost his battle for £1m damages from Huddersfield Town for a tackle which ended his career.

Darren, of Marlborough Road, Grays, who played at the top level for Charlton and Crystal Palace after winning national honours at under-15 level, claimed his promising professional career was ended after a "reckless" challenge during a First Division game.

Darren, 31, suffered the injury while playing for Crystal Palace against Huddersfield on August 31, 1996. Despite attempts at a comeback, he never played more than a handful of professional games again.

But Mrs Justice Hallett, giving the ruling at London's High Court on Tuesday, said tackle which caused the injury was not negligent.

She said: I appreciate what a disappointment my judgement will be for Mr Pitcher. I can only hope that he can in future come to terms with this devastating injury and the effect it has had on his footballing career and his life."

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