A GOALKEEPER left partially paralysed in a late-night attack made an emotional return to his club to help his team-mates celebrate their first title win in 32 years.

Nicky Morgan, 26, who kept goal for Billericay Town, received a standing ovation from fans as he walked into New Lodge for the team’s last game of the season against Lowestoft.

It was the first time he had returned since being assaulted near the Sugar Hut nightclub in Brentwood last October.

Mr Morgan led the team out at the start of the match to the sound of hundreds of fans singing “there’s only one Nicky Morgan”.

He also joined the team at the end of the match to collect his player’s medal and help them lift the championship trophy.

Nicky, who spent the afternoon chatting to fans and mingling with the supporters, said: “It feels amazing to be back here again, I love this club.

“It was so overwhelming to hear all the fans chanting my name and to hear they are all behind me.

“They are the most amazing supporters and the club is like a family.

“I have really missed everyone here.

“I will never forget what they have done for me and now I am walking, I am determined to be able to run when it is time for me to leave the hospital."

Nicky walks with one crutch at present as he recovers and he will leave Stoke Mandeville Hospital this week.

He was accompanied by his parents Jackie and John, plus other family and friends to the club on Saturday.

The club still lifted the Ryman Premier League trophy despite losing 4-1 on the day.

• A FAMILY friend of Mr Morgan raised £5,645 for a spinal charity set up to help the injured footballer recover.

City trader Martin Maher, 37, from Brentwood, completed the 26.2-mile London Marathon in 3hrs 30mins, running for spinal charity Aspire, which is affiliated with Stoke Mandeville Hospital.