Testimonial for crocked star

The former Tonbridge Angels star was airlifted to hospital last month after a horror clash of heads with Ramsgate's Nick Treadwell when the sides met at Winch's Field on Saturday 19 March.

Despite making a full recovery at the time, the 28-year-old was given the devastating news this week with medics warning that he could risk his sight or permanent brain damage if he played again. Until the results of a further scan are known, Browning has also been told he cannot drive or continue his business as a self-employed carpenter.

Fans helped raise £1,225 for the flying medics when the abandoned match was replayed this month as a 'pay what you want' fixture and Bay officials have now pencilled in Sunday 15 May for the testimonial which will see the club taking on a Tommy Warrilow Select XI in a 1pm kick-off at Winch's Field.

Bay manager Sam Denly said: “When Tommy phoned me, he was as shocked as all of us at what had happened to Lee and asked if there was anything he could do to help.

“Tommy Warrilow is a highly respected Non-League manager and led Tonbridge Angels, for whom Lee once played, for several seasons. We came up with the idea of a testimonial and Tommy will pull a side together to play Herne Bay at Winch’s.

"For want of a better name we will call it a Tommy Warrilow Select XI. I have no doubt Tommy will attract some name players for this and that it will be a terrific testimonial game for Lee."

Image courtesy of Steve Barton/Herne Bay

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