Appeal for ex-Sheffield United man’s ‘career-saving’ surgery after bad knee injury

Sheffield United fans have been invited to contribute to a fundraising appeal to save the career of a former Blades midfielder after a severe knee injury.

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Connor Dimaio played five times for the Blades after coming through the club’s academy and only moved to Matlock Town earlier this year after a spell at Curzon Ashton.

Earlier this month he ruptured an ACL, and strained his medial and lateral ligaments, in the home clash against Ashton United and left the stadium on crutches. Scans later confirmed the extent of the damage, with the 27-year-old facing around a year out of the game.

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The club have arranged a JustGiving page to raise £6,000 for what they describe as Dimaio’s “career-saving operation”, with a club statement reading: “Due to the waiting times on the NHS, the financial implications that loss of earnings will have, and also to support the longevity of Connor’s career as a serious injury which can significantly disrupt careers, having the surgery done privately, as soon as possible, is a priority.

“The PFA will cover some of Connor’s surgery costs but the rest will need to be found as soon as possible, so the operation can take place at the earliest available date.

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“Connor is a family man who, along with his partner, welcomed their second child into the world so this injury could not have come at a more difficult time. We understand that right now times are difficult but if you can help by chipping in anything you can afford, no matter how small, it would help Connor through an incredibly tough period in his life.”

Matlock’s social media manager James Griffiths added: “Connor is a Chesterfield lad who speaks incredibly highly of his time with the Blades and the time that he spent with you guys.

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“To see this happen to him is truly heartbreaking, especially as he had just become a dad again and is now unable to work.

“We’ve seen the football family do incredible things for one and another and we have faith that they will pull through for Connor in his time of need.”

To contribute to the appeal, click here.

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Matlock manager Martin Carruthers said of Dimaio’s injury: “This is terrible news for us all but particularly for Connor and our thoughts go out to him and his family. We had signed one hell of a player and his performances had shown us what a great player he is.

“We’re all devastated for him, a fine player who loves playing football and loves playing for Matlock Town, It’ll be a long time out for him, probably 10 to 12 months so realistically that’ll take us through to February or March next year As a club we’ll support him in every way we can but one thing is for certain, he’ll be sorely missed.”

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