A FOOTBALL manager from Wisbech was amazed when an old school friend pulled him out of a serious car crash at Guyhirn on Boxing Day. Shane Milner suffered a damaged hip and broken arm and will be in hospital for several months.

EXCLUSIVE by: ADAM LAZZARI

A FOOTBALL manager from Wisbech was amazed when an old school friend he had not seen for 15 years pulled him out of a serious car crash on Boxing Day.

Shane Milner, 37, who is manager of Peterborough and District Football League Division One side Ketton, will be in hospital for several months with a damaged hip and broken arm but expects to make a full recovery.

Mr Milner, a forklift truck driver, said: "I was amazed when I looked up from my car to see a guy I used to go to school with. His name is Robert Wabe and he was working as a fireman.

"He didn't say much to me at the time because he had a job to do but we're now keeping in touch.

"I want to thank everyone who helped me.

"I will be in hospital for a couple of months and I've been told I won't be able to work for at least six months, but I will be okay."

Mr Milner played for Wisbech Town from the age of 15 to 19, making 12 first team appearances.

He also played for Leverington before moving to the Stamford area for 12 years.

He moved back to Wisbech in the summer to be close to family and friends and is looking to get back into local football.

He said: "As soon as I am out of hospital I will go and watch my old mates at Ketton. It will be the best day I've had in ages to be with those guys again. I'm sure Andy Gray will do a good job as my replacement."

Mr Gray said: "We hope that he makes a full and swift recovery and we will see him at the club again soon."

The two-vehicle collision took place on the A47 at Guyhirn at around 11.26am. Mr Milner was driving a black Volkswagen Polo. His two passengers, a woman and a boy, received slight injuries.

The 26-year-old female driver of the other car and her passengers, three boys aged eight, five and two, received slight injuries.