A PROMISING young goalkeeper on the books of Manchester United was left brain damaged after a fight outside a Lowton pub.

Allen Marsh was taken to hospital unconscious and a scan revealed swelling to the brain, bruising and multiple haemorrhages.

Now the young footballer suffers from unsteadiness, impaired understanding, poor concentration, abnormal eye movements and poor memory, Bolton Crown Court was told.

Steven Crutchley, aged 24, of Fordland Close, Lowton, denies causing grievous bodily harm to Allen Marsh on December 9, 1999 and, along with his brother, Neil Crutchley, 26, of Sudbrook Close, Lowton, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray.

The dispute began when Neil Crutchley allegedly attacked Mr Marsh as he sat in a car outside the Hare and Hounds pub waiting for his brother.

After being punched, the attack victim fell to the ground and Stephen Crutchley allegedly kicked him in the head.

Crutchley denied the attack claiming that Marsh had grabbed him and they had both fallen to the floor. He denied kicking Marsh. Neil Crutchley claimed he had been attacked and only hit back in self-defence.

Arthur Stuttard, prosecuting, said the fight started after Stephen Marsh arrived at the pub and spoke to his former girlfriend, now Neil Crutchley's partner.

Marsh left to wait outside for his brother but he was allegedly attacked by Neil Crutchley while sat behind the driving wheel.

According to a consultant neurologist Marsh now has no memory of the assault.

James Leggatt, a consultant neurosurgeon, told the court that it is too early to decide whether or not he will be able to return to playing as a goalkeeper.

Proceeding