Who is Jonathan Gjoshe? Train stabbing victim plays for Scunthorpe United

News
By published

Jonathan Gjoshe was injured in the recent train stabbing incident and is on a dual-registration deal with Scunthorpe United

Scunthorpe United defender Jonathan Gjoshe
Scunthorpe United defender Jonathan Gjoshe (Image credit: Scunthorpe United Football Club)

Scunthorpe United and the wider footballing world continues to show love and support to young defender Jonathan Gjoshe.

The 22-year-old was injured in the LNER train stabbing incident that took place on Saturday, as a train bound for London left Doncaster.

Who is Jonathan Gjoshe? Scunthorpe United defender injured in horrendous LNER train stabbing incident

A mass stabbing took place on an LNER Azuma service between Doncaster and London King's Cross on Saturday evening

A mass stabbing took place on an LNER Azuma service between Doncaster and London King's Cross on Saturday evening (Image credit: Getty Images)

Having also represented local North Lincolnshire side Bottesford Town, Gjoshe had in fact played just hours before he was attacked on a London-bound service over the weekend.

The Poachers were beaten 2-1 by Handsworth in the NCEL Premier Division, with the 22-year-old having played 68 minutes before being replaced.

Gjoshe had only joined the Iron on non-contract terms back in September, after a spate of defensive injuries and suspensions meant manager Andy Butler needed further players registered to play.

The former Corinthian Casuals defender had been training with the Iron throughout the summer, and it was agreed he would be placed on a dual-registration deal that also allows him to play regular football with Bottesford, as well as feature for Scunthorpe in competitions such as the National League Cup.

Additionally, local independent podcast and news outlet, Iron Bru, has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover any costs Gjoshe will have incurred or lost, since the attack took place on Saturday.

Donations currently stand at £2,500, and the page states 'monies raised will go towards any adjustments that need to be made in the form of care, transport costs and loss of earnings while Jonathan recovers from his injuries'.

"Everyone at the club, from the board, management and his team-mates, along with all staff behind the scenes, sends our heartfelt well wishes to Jonathan for a full recovery, which is also extended to all the victims on board the train," a club statement added earlier this week.

Scunthorpe is a working-class town that has faced plenty of adversity over the last 10 years

Scunthorpe is a working-class town that has faced plenty of adversity over the last 10 years (Image credit: Getty Images)

After slipping down the football pyramid in recent years, Scunthorpe continue to fight to climb back up the English ladder, and are currently second in the National League table.

Led by manager and local cult hero, Butler, the Iron boss admitted the incident is a stark reminder of how cruel life can often be.

"It hits close to home it really does," he said. "The club will back him every step of the way in terms of recovery. We just hope Jonathan feels OK."

Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.