Barrow defender James Cotterill has pleaded guilty to smashing a rival player's jaw during an FA Cup game after the attack was seen by millions on television.
The 24-year-old, from Barnsley, admitted punching Bristol Rovers striker Sean Rigg, causing him grievous bodily harm, during a match on November 11.
Barrow Magistrates heard that Mr Rigg had to drink through a straw and eat with a teaspoon after the blow fractured his jaw in two places.
His jaw must be held together with metal plates for the rest of his life.
Television cameras captured the off-the-ball assault during the first-round tie, which Rovers went on to win 3-2.
Cotterill's solicitor described the punch as a "moment of madness".
The defender was suspended by the FA after the match at Barrow's Holker Street ground.
The game's governing body has also charged him with violent conduct, but he has yet to respond to the charge.
Cotterill will be sentenced at Lancaster Crown Court on January 5.
11 November 2006
Nationwide North club Lancaster City have boosted their squad with at least three new players after having their transfer embargo lifted. Manager Dave Bell has secured the signature of former Preston midfielder Michael Brown and has also brought in two players on loan from Chester City - attacker Paul Rutherford and versatile player Mark Cadwallader.
"These are the first three to come in and I will be gradually bringing more in," Bell told Lancaster Today. "But after Saturday it would be wrong to rush and wipe the team clean after such a good performance." However, Bell has stressed that he will still keep faith with his youngsters who performed admirably against Redditch recently.
"These are young, home-grown players who deserve a chance. They did great on Saturday and I hope that they can carry it through. Both the lads who scored are young, enthusiastic players with a lot of talent. By rights, they should not be thrown in at the deep end at this stage of the season. But they are the future of the club," he added.
20 October 2006
Teenage Blackpool striker Sean Paterson has joined Southport on a month's loan.
Port boss Paul Cook made his move for Paterson to bolster his squad ahead of Saturday's trip to Altrincham.
The 19-year-old has made two first-team appearances for Blackpool and last season spent temporary spells at Lancaster City and Leigh RMI.
Meanwhile, Southport have appointed former Lancaster boss Gary Finlay in a coaching and scouting role following the recent departure of John Durnin.
12 September 2006
Conference North side Barrow have extended their loan deal for Crewe Alexandra forward Tom Pope until the end of the season.
Pope, 21, joined Crewe from Biddulph Victoria last season and has previously been loaned out to Lancaster City and Stafford Rangers.
He has been in good form for Barrow this season, scoring two goals in eight games so far.
Pope will continue to train with Crewe while playing for Barrow.
07 August 2006
Halifax Town have signed 22-year-old Crewe defender Mark Roberts on loan until the end of December. Town boss Chris Wilder moved for Roberts following Peter Atherton's retirement and Michael Taylor's move to Lancaster City.
The news will be a blow to Southport, who had hoped to sign Roberts after a successful loan spell last season. Roberts, who has made a handful of first-team appearances for Crewe, also spent time at Chester last season.
