Whitehead thanks fans for support from hospital bed

Exeter Chiefs forward Chris Whitehead was tonight recovering in hospital after an operation on his neck which could sideline him for three months.

The 26-year-old was hoping to be discharged tomorrow after an assessment by doctors.

Speaking exclusively to The Exeter Daily from his hospital bed, Whitehead said he had been overwhelmed with messages of support.

He told us: "I'd like to thank the players old and new and, of course, the fans for all of their good luck messages, it has made this experience a lot easier.

"I'm very happy to have had the operation and looking forward to getting back into training to be amongst the players and Exeter Chiefs staff as soon as possible."

Chiefs coach Rob Baxter has confirmed that Whitehead, who recently penned a new two-year contract with the Aviva Premiership club, is likely to miss the next three months through the injury.

Baxter said: "Chris has an on-going neck problem, a typical hooker’s problem, a bit of a degenerative issue. It is either a case of letting it get worse or deal with it now."