Willie Clemons is set to undergo surgery next month to repair an anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Clemons, who plays for English semi-professional club Braintree Town, has been sidelined by injury since February this year.

Lack of medical cover within non-League football structures, where most of the players also have day jobs to help supplement their earnings, meant the 28-year-old Bermuda midfielder had to join the National Health Service queue to get a doctor’s appointment. This would have further prolonged his return to football.

Thankfully for Clemons, a GoFundMe fund-raising page organised by James Crysell, the Braintree Town secretary, raised £3,530 to assist with his medical expenses and insurance cover from his new job enabled the footballer to secure a private appointment last month.

“Between the GoFundMe and what turned out to be me having a decent insurance with my job, everything is covered,’’ said Clemons, who hopes to be ready for the start of next season. “A date has been set for my surgery in late October. I am just happy to finally have a date to look forward to. I’m gearing myself up mentally to get ready for the recovery and rehab process, one day at a time.”

Clemons expressed his gratitude to all those that have assisted him during the trying times.

“I’m just happy with how it’s gone. I’m thankful to everyone who’s helped out in any way; it’s been amazing we’re finally getting there.

“Thank you to all the friends and family back home in Bermuda, here in the UK, and everyone altogether.

“Whether it be a monetary donation, a share of the page, word of mouth, or even the many well wishes, of which I’ve received at every game I attend and on every platform.

“I want to say a massive thank-you to James Crysell, without whom none of this would be possible. A real class act to go out on a whim and get this whole thing off the ground.”

“At this time, James and I will be closing the fund-raiser indefinitely. Because of all of you, I’m able to get back to doing what I love to do much, much earlier than anticipated.”

While eager to get playing football, Clemons has used his time away from the game to seriously think about his future. Before the injury, he was working in printing and publishing, but has already made a transition into the insurance sector, which he sees as a strong option for when he eventually hangs up his boots and moves back to Bermuda.