Gloucester City lost 7-3 against Boston United on Saturday in a day to forget at the Tiger Turf stadium, though a further dampener brought the game to a new low as centre back and captain Spencer Hamilton dived into a tackle in the last seconds though didn’t get back up.
Spencer Hamilton was the stretchered off as fans began to leave causing concern amongst those at the club. In the days that’s followed rumours have circulated on the wellbeing of the captain and it’s been confirmed that Hamilton’s injury is not the broken leg which was first suspected.
The full extent of the injury is still unclear at the moment but the club is expecting to hear further updates soon. The Gloucester City squad is now looking very depleted in defence especially after the unfortunately timed release of defender Max Ram prior to Hamilton’s injury.
Gloucester now only have two fit centre backs at the club in recently signed Harlan Mbayo and regular starter Ty Duffers. Gloucester City sit nine points from safety with nine games remaining and it’s understandable why fans hopes of survival are dropping rapidly week by week.
Hamilton had already been out for around 7 months from the start of the season and had started a good run of games though it now seems likely that the centre back will be out for at least the reminder of the season.
Fans will look on in confusion as centre back Ben Richards-Everton started for Bromsgrove on Saturday after being released for supposedly having a season ending injury, yet retuned to action after just a month and would offer much needed help if he was still with the Tigers.
City also released ex Chippenham defender Will Richards in January after just a month of being at the club and with the current defensive depth at the club it calls into question whether or not it was the right call to be so harsh with releasing players.
It now begs the question will Spencer Hamilton be replaced or will Gloucester stick with what they have heading into the final stretch of the season. Midfielder and co-captain Joe Hanks can play in the back four and the club may feel it to be a wasted endeavour signing more players at this stage.
Mike Cook’s side play top of the league Tamworth on Tuesday ahead of a trip to Warrington on Saturday. Despite the current injury crises Gloucester City will have to pick up vital points this week if they are to stand a chance at staying in the National League North.
We will keep you updated on the severity of Spencer Hamilton’s injury as the club learns more, and Gloucester City’s potential search for a replacement.
