A FORMER footballer, who suffered a double heart attack at a New Year s Day game has said a big thank-you to the medical team which battled to save his life. Herbie Cole, 86, who retired in 1955 after a 20-year career with March Town, is recovering well i

A FORMER footballer, who suffered a double heart attack at a New Year's Day game has said a big thank-you to the medical team which battled to save his life.

Herbie Cole, 86, who retired in 1955 after a 20-year career with March Town, is recovering well in Ipswich Hospital after collapsing during Ipswich Town's match against Birmingham City at Portman Road.

From his hospital bed, Mr Cole, formerly of Deerfield Road, March, but now of Oldfield Avenue, Elm, said: "They saved my life.They were completely wonderful."

Last week's Cambs Times reported how, after travelling to the game with neighbour Ken Rogers, the two friends took their seats in the Greene King stand.

"We saw all the players come out and that's all I remember. The next thing I knew I was waking up in hospital thinking 'this isn't the football ground'," said Mr Cole, who hopes to be out of hospital next week.

He said: "I'm looking forward to getting back to watching football again and I know I was lucky to have a heart attack at the ground because the amazing staff were so close by. But hopefully it won't happen again.