Huddersfield Town boss Chris Powell says he is praying Clarke Carlisle makes a full recovery from the injuries he suffered when involved in a collision with a lorry in North Yorkshire.
The 35-year-old former Premier League defender, who retired from football last year, was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with “serious injuries” although subsequent media reports have suggested they are not life-threatening.
Carlisle succeeded Powell as chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association and the John Smith’s Stadium boss says he hopes to visit his former teammate when the time is right.
“Clarke is someone I’ve got to know really well through not only being teammates at Watford, but also because he took over from me as PFA chairman,” said Powell.
“Knowing him personally, it was a shock when I found out what had happened and I’m just praying that he will pull through and be well again.
“I’m hoping when the time is right to go and see him and I wish him and his family well, just hoping he will be okay.”
North Yorkshire Police would not confirm that Carlisle was involved in the accident but said a 35-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after a serious incident involving a lorry and a pedestrian on the A64, near York, on Monday morning.
The football community in general has been quick to pledge its support to Carlisle and wish him a speedy recovery.
The Football Association tweeted: “The thoughts and prayers of all at The FA are with Clarke Carlisle and his family at this sad time.”
Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out, for which Carlisle is an ambassador, posted: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Kick It Out are with Clarke Carlisle and his family. Stay strong our dear friend - keep on fighting.”
And the Football League added: “Our thoughts and those of everyone that watches Football League clubs will be with Clarke Carlisle and his family.”
Centre-back Carlisle played for a number of clubs including Burnley, Blackpool, QPR, Leeds, Watford, Northampton and York.
