Huddersfield Town player Tommy Smith today thanked well-wishers following his horror injury – and revealed the “frightening” moment he couldn’t move in the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The 22-year-old was knocked unconscious in the final minute of the club’s 2-1 derby defeat to Leeds United and, after eight minutes of treatment on the pitch by medical staff, later airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary for emergency scans.

Smith admits he remembers nothing of the unfolding drama, which made national headlines after the Nostell-based aircraft – which is a charity partner of the club – was called to his aid and landed on the John Smith’s Stadium pitch.

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“I can remember all the game up until the incident quite clearly, but then I felt as though I clashed my head from both sides and, when I went down, that was pretty much it,” explained the former Manchester City graduate.

“I regained full consciousness when we were half way to the hospital in the helicopter, which took me by surprise, and when I realised where I was I started panicking a little bit.

“I was all strapped up to keep me secure and the panic came about because I couldn’t really move.

“I remember thinking to myself just to try and keep calm, to close my eyes and hopefully the whole experience will be over in no time.

“Up until then the whole thing just seems like a complete blur.

“I spoke to my family about it and they were by my side in the medical room at the ground, trying to talk to me, and some of the lads said they popped in to see how I was, but I really don’t remember seeing or hearing any of them.

“That’s quite frightening, really, but thankfully I’m okay now.”

Paramedics preparing to load Tommy Smith into the helicopter

Smith was kept in hospital overnight for observation, although the scans were clear, and by that time ‘get well’ messages of support had started arriving from all over the country, not just from Town fans.

“Once I’d had the scans it all went really smoothly,” he added.

“I felt a lot better once I got the neck brace off and I was able to sit up and talk to my family, the physio (James Haycock) and the club doctor (Steve Feldman). I definitely felt a lot better then.

“After that, when I realised all what had gone on and started receiving all the messages, I was quite taken aback to be honest – it was fantastic.

“I didn’t expect the whole thing to get the attention it has, but the support I’ve been getting off everyone has been really brilliant.

“My mum and dad and my girlfriend said the club were just first-class with how they handled it all on Saturday. They were brilliant and I have to thank them for that.

“Everything that went on was done in the right manner and I’m very appreciative of that.

“As I’ve said with regard to the messages, I’ve truly been taken aback by it all and I’m really grateful to the fans for all the support they have shown me.”

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Smith praised the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service and encouraged supporters to get involved in the Walk for Pounds on March 21, which will raise funds for the charity and the club’s Academy.

“I obviously knew of the air ambulance before Saturday because of the club’s work, but for me to actually have to use it – it makes you realise what a fantastic service it is to have,” he continued.

“To be honest, I’ve been a bit worried about watching it all on TV and have tried to keep away from it, but I have seen pictures and it’s a strange feeling. It’s not nice when something bad happens to a teammate, but when it’s yourself it’s even worse, so I haven’t watched it.

“I have watched the incident, though, which isn’t nice, although it’s hard to work out what happened because it all seems so innocuous. It really is quite bizarre.

“These things happen, I suppose, and it’s how you deal with them.”

Smith has already started that process, although it’s unlikely he will be considered for Saturday’s trip to Millwall or the following home match against Wolves (next Tuesday).

“The doctor has been to examine me at the club for the last couple of days and basically checked everything is okay,” he said.

“He tested my memory, which went fine, and I’m on the mend, definitely.

“I’ve got to stay off my feet for a few days, which I understand is standard procedure, and I’m not driving, but I have been able to do a little bit of work in the gym and I’ll gradually look to progress with that.

“From my point of view, I have informed the doctor, the physio and the manager, Chris Powell, that I feel okay.

“It is now out of my hands as to when I can start stepping things up and working towards playing again.

“The medical people are the experts and I’ll be governed by what they say. I just want to come back fitter, stronger and ready to go again.”