A YOUNG Manchester United goalkeeper, left brain damaged after a fight, had earlier ripped his shirt off as he ran towards a man grappling with his brother.

Allen Marsh threatened to kill the man and said he would take everyone on, a judge at Bolton Crown Court was told.

Minutes later, Marsh ended up on the ground unconscious with serious brain damage after suffering a blow to the head.

The promising young keeper sustained injuries leaving him unsteady on his feet, with impaired understanding, abnormal eye movements and poor memory after the incident outside the Hare and Hounds pub in Lowton..

Steven Crutchley, aged 24, of Fordland Close, Lowton, denies causing Allen Marsh grievous bodily harm on December 9, 1999 and, along with his 26-year-old brother Neil, of Sudbrook Close, Lowton, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray.

The dispute began when Neil Crutchley allegedly attacked Stephen Marsh as he sat in a car outside the pub waiting for his brother Allen.

When Allen left the pub, he went to his brother's aid but was allegedly dragged off by Steven Crutchley and another man.

After being punched, Marsh fell to the ground and Stephen Crutchley allegedly kicked him in the head.

Neil Crutchley told the court he had not been aggressive with Stephen Marsh but had only asked him what he had said to his girlfriend.

He said that Stephen Marsh got out of the car and grabbed him by the throat and when he broke free he saw Allen Marsh lying motionless on the ground.

Medical evidence read to the jury revealed the true nature of the brain damage suffered by Allen Marsh.

James Leggatt, a consultant neurosurgeon, said while there had been some improvement in Marsh's condition, it was not possible to say whether he would be able to return to his career as a goalkeeper.

Proceeding