A FORMER Oxford United footballer was last night battling to save his left leg after a collision with a car.

Defender Steve Tavinor, who also captained Witney Town, was crushed between a black Jaguar and his lorry in Steeple Aston as he unloaded scaffolding just before 8am on Thursday.

The 35-year-old had to be cut free by firefighters and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, by air ambulance.

Doctors feared he may lose his leg, but an eight-hour emergency operation last night was thought a success.

His father Roger, a youth coach at United, said it had given him “a fighting chance” of retaining his left leg. However the father-of-one, from Wood Farm, will never play football again.

Mr Tavinor said: “Steven’s leg is absolutely shattered.

“There was a very real chance that he would have to have it amputated because it was so badly damaged.

“The situation is looking a lot brighter now. He had a muscle transplanted from his shoulder to his leg yesterday and, although we don’t know for sure, we hope he will now keep his leg.

“But he will never play football again because his leg needs to be completely rebuilt.

“It is going to be a long recovery for him and this is really the worst thing that can happen to a footballer.”

The former Peers School pupil, who has a two-year-old daughter, Erin, with his wife Sally, was in “good spirits”, according to his father.

“He is much perkier than perhaps could be expected, and has even cracked a couple of jokes,” said Mr Tavinor, who lives with wife Jane in Horspath Road.

“Steve is a stubborn so-and-so, as many football coaches would testify, and when he is faced with a hurdle he doesn’t jump over it but crashes straight through it. He is probably very worried, but he isn’t showing it.

“Mentally, he has always been very strong.”

Currently playing for Oxford City Veterans, Mr Tavinor spent two years as a trainee at the U’s under Denis Smith.

His time at the Manor Ground was dogged by injury and he was released in 1994, having made no first team appearances.

He went on to play for and captain Witney Town, where he was crowned player of the year in 1998.

Colin Taylor, managing director of Oxford City Football Club, said: “We are obviously very concerned for Steve, but we are pleased that initial surgery has been a success.

“Everybody at the club wishes him all the best.”

Oxford United spokesman Chris Williams said: “This is terrible news and everybody at the club wishes Steve all the very best, and we hope he makes a full recovery.”

Messages of support also poured on to online Oxford City FC messageboards.

Claire wrote: “Our thoughts are with Steve and his family (as I’m sure everyone’s at City are), and we are hoping for the best possible outcome for him.”

Jason Millar wrote: “All the best, Tav. Our thoughts are with you mate. You’re one tough cookie and I’m sure you’ll be up and about soon.”

A police spokesman said a 64-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and bailed until November 4.

Messages of support can be sent via the Specialist Surgery Ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital, West Wing, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, or post here and we will pass it to the family.