A NON-league footballer who is fighting for his life after a serious attack in Manchester city centre has undergone tracheotomy operation.

Ramsbottom United FC’s winger Matthew Edgington, underwent the operation to fix a tube into his throat to help him to breath whilst in a coma.

The 25-year-old suffered a fractured skull, fractured cheekbone and cuts to the head and body while celebrating the club’s 2-1 win over Alsager Town last Saturday.

The popular Rammy star was assaulted in John Dalton Street around 3am on Sunday and was rushed to the intensive care unit in Hope Hospital, Salford, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

Bernard Morley, co-manager, said everyone at the club was extremely worried about Matthew.

He said: “His condition is still the same pretty much but the tracheotomy puts his football in serious doubt.

“I have spoken with his father and all our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.

“We are all hoping that his condition starts to improve. He is one of my best mates.”

The Ramsbottom United website has been flooded with messages from well-wishers since the incident.

Bernard said he was in regular communication with Matt’s father John and his wife Pauline and sister Rachael and was passing on messages from the fans.

The family have been keeping a vigil at Matthew’s bedside since the incident.

Greater Manchester police have urged any witnesses of the assault to call Grey Mare Lane CID on 0161 856 3540, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.