http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/former-liverpool-fc-england-under-16-4014515From the Echo:
Liverpool star wins payout for lost career
25 May 2013 08:07
Sean Highland's playing days were wrecked by devastating car crash
A young Liverpool FC player whose football career was wrecked by a devastating car crash has been awarded a seven-figure compensation payout.
Sean Highdale was 17 when he was critically injured in a crash which claimed the lives of two of his friends, in April, 2008.
Despite the club’s best efforts to keep his Premier League dream alive, the England under-16 international was forced to abandon his hopes of a long-term career in the game.
More than five years on, insurers have agreed to pay out after leading figures from the world of football, including Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, gave evidence of his potential.
Sean’s solicitors drew on more than 30 witnesses in total to show the midfielder was a major prospect before the crash, which left him in hospital for three months.
His friends Tom Benn and Kalam Wooding, who was driving the car on Speke Boulevard when it collided with a Volkswagen Beetle, were killed.
The compensation, set to run into millions of pounds, recognises the potential earnings Sean could have enjoyed in his career.
Sean's solicitor Catherine Leech, a partner at Manchester law firm Pannone, said: "The accident was devastating for Sean and no amount of money will ever make up for the death of his friends in the accident and loss of his football career.
"I would like to express my own thanks to Liverpool FC for the enormous support they have given us in helping to prepare this case."
After his release from hospital, Liverpool went to huge lengths to try to help him to recover fully.
The youngster was named in the club’s under-18s squad for the 2009/10 season but was never able to fulfil his promise, spending time at League One Oldham Athletic and Newtown, in the Welsh Premier League, before later signing for Vauxhall Motors.
He now plays for Woolton-based Old Xaverians in the Liverpool County FA Premier League.
Sean said: “Liverpool FC were fantastic and helped me as much as possible in trying to get my career back on track after the accident.
“The coaching staff, medical team and academy tutors were brilliant, but although it was heart-breaking I had to face reality.”
LFC academy praise for young star
Sean Highdale was among the most highly thought-of players in Liverpool’s youth system.
Playing alongside Jay Spearing in the club’s 2007 FA Youth Cup-winning side, he caught the eye of observers including Blackpool manager Paul Ince and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who both gave evidence as part of the compensation process.
Former Liverpool FC academy director Steve Heighway and the Reds’ late reserve boss, Gary Ablett, also offered support.
Current academy director Frank McParland said: “Sean wasn’t only a fantastic player, he was a genuinely good lad off the pitch. His potential was right up there with the best, so much so he was captain of the under-18s and he represented England at youth level.
“At the time, he had developed a reputation for showing the type of fight that embodies the very spirit of this club. Sean is always welcome at Liverpool Football Club and we wish him all the success for the future.”
