A FOOTBALLER was left fighting for his life after a vicious attack in Watchet, the night before he was due to be best man at his best friend’s wedding.

Nathan Sheehan, 25, of Williton, sustained a serious head injury during the assault in Swain Street following a row near a kebab shop around midnight last Friday evening (August 2).

The web marketer for Dirtbike Express, in Minehead, was taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, where he underwent surgery and remains now in a stable condition.

His wife of almost a year, Holly Sheehan, 22, said: “The doctors are really impressed with Nathan’s progress but it’s going to be a long recovery.

“He has potentially permanent eyesight damage in one eye, which is a worry, and impaired hearing in one ear – we are also not sure if that is permanent yet.

“The doctors have said how lucky he is to be where he is – it was really touch-and-go at one point – so if these are the only long-term injuries he has, that’s a big relief.

“Generally, he is struggling quite a bit and is very tired. He is very funny normally and he has still managed to have his cheeky moments, which is great.

“He has had brilliant support from family on both his and my side, and from friends. We have been spending as much time as possible with him at the hospital.

“We are trying to stay strong for Nathan but it’s not easy – this has been incredibly traumatising.”

Holly, who works as a PA at Debenhams in Taunton, said Nathan not being able to be at his friend’s wedding has been a real blow.

She said: “Missing out on being best man for his best friend Chris Pople on Saturday has really hit Nathan hard – he had a lovely speech prepared.

“Nathan’s the funniest, charming, most caring and loving man I know and he doesn’t deserve this.

“It is of paramount importance that any witnesses come forward so we can get justice for him.”

Nathan’s relative and Williton parish councillor, Simon Bruford, added: “I have known Nathan for a long time.

“He is very well-liked in the community and can always be seen around the village with a smile on his face.

“The family and I would really appreciate anyone who witnessed this coming forward.”

Nathan is described as being ‘passionate’ about football and is known throughout the area for his love of the sport and for being a huge Arsenal fan.

Most recently, he has played in goal for Porlock FC and on some Sundays for Williton FC, which he had previously managed.

Brian Walder, chairman of Minehead AFC, said: “I was shocked to hear the news.

“Nathan has been a keen follower of the club since being a player from schoolboy age and even featured in the first team as recently as 2012.

“When he isn’t playing local football with clubs such as Williton, he makes every effort to support us at our matches.

“The club wishes him well with his recovery.”

An investigation has been launched into the incident and a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the assault or has information which could help police should contact Taunton CID on 101.