A YOUNG Newport County AFC fan who missed out on his side’s all-important clash with Morecambe at the weekend due to injury has now been told that he will lead the Exiles onto the pitch in the League 2 play-offs.
Henri Collins, 7, who lives in the Bassaleg area of the city with his parents, travelled up to Morecambe on Saturday, May 4 to witness the culmination of Newport County AFC’s drive for the play-offs.
However, after suffering a significant injury to his mouth, Henri was taken to hospital in Barrow-in-Furness where he spent the duration of the game. He was discharged the following day after having received several stitches.
“Henri was playing in a park near the beach in Morecambe two hours before kick-off,” said his mother Nicola Anderson.
“He came to sit down with his stick of rock but was soon back up climbing on the bars.
“Suddenly, he fell, and the stick of rock went through the roof of his mouth, causing serious laceration.
“We took him to one hospital, but he got transferred to Barrow-in-Furness where he was put under general anaesthetic.”
Henri was devastated to have missed his side’s remarkable late equaliser which secured their place in the play-offs and his family issued an appeal to find him a programme from the game to add to his collection.
“He’s been collecting them since he saw County play Notts County earlier this season,” said Mrs Anderson.
It wasn’t long before Henri heard back from none other than The Exiles themselves.
The team posted a message on social media which said: “Everyone at #NCAFC would like to wish Henri all the best with his recovery”.
They went on to say that a programme was being kept back especially for him. What’s more, it had been signed by the entire squad.
If that wasn’t enough, Henri is now preparing to lead the team onto the field at Rodney Parade this evening as they face off against Mansfield Town in the first leg of their League 2 play-off semi-final.
Henri, who spoke of his disappointment that two of his favourite players – Fraser Franks and David Pipe – won’t be turning out for County next season, said: “I was very upset to miss the game but I’m super excited to be a mascot tonight.”
He went on to say predict that County would end up running out 2-1 winners against Mansfield and would “definitely” go on to seal promotion by winning the play-off final at Wembley. You heard it here first.
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