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Club Statement: Michael West
Help Westy get the surgery he needs by donating today
Herne Bay Football Club are hoping to raise £9000 to aid midfielder Michael West in getting the surgery he needs to continue playing the game he loves.
Suffering the injury in our historic play-off final victory against Ashford United last summer, Westy has been playing through the pain barrier for the Bay ever since, a testament to the character of the Bay fan favourite.
But with the well-known issues surrounding waiting times in the NHS, we are seeking to raise the necessary funds to have his surgery done privately, allowing Westy to play pain free.
The Procedure
A bilateral (meaning both sides) hernia is a type of inguinal or groin hernia that occurs in both sides of the lower abdomen. Hernias may not be painful when they first occur. However, if they are left unattended, the weak spot can grow and simple acts like coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects can be very painful.
The surgery, known as bilateral groin repair, is a procedure which will see the hernial sac removed before the muscle layer is strengthened with stitches and a synthetic mesh is inserted to cover the weak spots.
Times are hard, we completely understand that, but with what little help you can afford to give, we can help raise £9000 and pay Michael back for the dedication he has showed this club by playing through a pain barrier many others would not have done.
The Man
Michael started his career as a trainee with Fulham before joining the Ebbsfleet United PASE youth system. He went on to sign his first professional contract with the club in January 2009, making his debut in a 1–0 win over Northwich Victoria in the Football Conference.
A series of impressive performances, including scoring a brace in a 2–2 draw against Luton Town, drawing the attention of many league clubs, with Fulham, Stevenage and Portsmouth all rumored to have been interested in acquiring his services.
In July 2012, he joined newly promoted Football League One side Crewe Alexandra for a nominal compensation fee. He made his professional debut for Crewe on 20 October 2012, in a 2–2 draw with Walsall, coming on as a substitute for Max Clayton.
On 26 August 2013 he joined Conference National side Hereford United on loan for a month, making his debut on the same day in a 2–1 defeat to Alfreton Town. He rejoined Ebbsfleet in January 2014m, before a serious injury early in his second spell at Ebbsfleet meant that he didn't play for a year.
He made his comeback from injury as a substitute in a 3–0 win over Whitehawk, scoring the third goal. Injuries continued to hamper his progress, although West did get the fourth goal in a 4–1 FA Trophy win against Molesey.
West played the second half of the 2015–2016 season on loan at Whitehawk, before signing permanently in July 2016 following his release from Stonebridge Road.
Since then, he has also featured for the likes of Chelmsford City, Eastbourne Borough, and once again for Ebbsfleet United, before signing for the Bay on loan towards the end of the 21/22 Isthmian League South-East Division season.
Having helped the Bay to play-off success, beating Ashford United 2-0 in the final, he signed on at the MBS Stadium on a permanent deal in the summer of 2022.
Our Plea
Please donate any amount you can afford to help us reach our goal of £9000 by following the link below.