South Yorkshire non-league footballer's remarkable recovery from life-threatening injury

Danny Frost, from Wombwell, had to receive emergency first aid after a serious head injury he sustained when he slid into a pitch barrier.

Danny, 29, said: “People have been asking if it's put me off football.

“I don't know anything else so as long as I'm alright I'll keep playing.”

The incident happened in a match between Trafford FC, the team that Danny plays for, and Colwyn Bay FC in Wales.

“The pitch was wet even in the first half,” he said, “I remember running for the ball, but I don't remember hitting the wall with my head.”

Danny said his first thought after waking up was that he was going to miss the semi-final his home team, Wombwell Main FC, were playing on Sunday.

He said: “I was supposed to play in it, as I help them out when I can.

“My old man showed me some footage of Saturday and I thought, flipping heck, is that me?

“Then it sunk in that he could have actually lost me.”

Staff at Glan Clwyd hospital sent Danny for an emergency CT scan, but thankfully nothing long-term was found and he was discharged at 10.30 Saturday night.

He was back home for 9.30am Sunday to see his team play Joker FC in Rotherham.

Danny said: “I didn't get much of a lie-in but I felt alright surprisingly.

“I think there were a few surprised to see me there.”

He says Wombwell Main were ‘unlucky’ not to get an equaliser after pulling two goals back in the second half, losing 3-2, but it was a good game and Joker invited the Wombwell lot back to their local pub afterwards.

Despite being in the early stages of his recovery, Danny is also keen to point out how his injury affects Trafford’s league prospects in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

He said: “It’s come at a bad time.

“We’re in the playoffs and if that game didn’t get abandoned they would have only been one point behind us with a game in hand.”

Danny is already positive about getting back to playing.

He said: “The FA have said I have to wait two weeks.

“I’m just trying to keep as active as I can.

“I’ve felt a bit groggy, but because I swallowed my tongue it’s my throat that’s hurting more than anything.”

The incident made national headlines as linesman Zharir Mustafa saved Danny's life by giving him emergency first aid, stopping him from swallowing his tongue and holding him in position until medics arrived.

Danny said: “Mr Mustafa was closest to me and he ran over and pulled my tongue out of my mouth.

“I have a couple of radio interviews and they have managed to get him on the phone.

“It will be the first time I've spoken to him and it will be nice to thank him.”

News of the incident has already made its way around the world, and Zharir has been hailed as a 'hero' on social media.

Danny said: “People have been messaging me from all over the world.

“I appreciate all the messages and texts.

“I've been walking around with a phone charger in my pocket.”

Danny was on the books at Barnsley for 11 years, joining the academy when he was 8 years old.

He has played non-league football for nearly 10 years alongside his job as a groundworker.