A former Oxford United footballer who fears losing his leg after being crushed by a car is suing for more than £300,000.

Father-of-three Steve Tavinor, 36, was unloading scaffolding from a lorry in Steeple Aston when a Jaguar car hit him.

The former U’s and Oxford City Veterans defender suffered serious injuries to his left leg following the crash in September and is still unable to work.

Mr Tavinor, of Titup Hall Drive, Wood Farm, Oxford, said there was still a chance he could lose his leg.

On Monday, Trevor Tyler, of Grange Park Road, Steeple Aston, was convicted of careless driving at Banbury Magistrates’ Court.

He was fined £100, given four penalty points and ordered to pay £360 costs, as well as a £15 victims’ surcharge.

Mr Tavinor, a former Peers School pupil, said: “There is still a risk I could lose my leg if things go wrong.

“I am still having treatment and it is just a case of waiting to see what happens. No-one is sure about the future.

“My football career is ruined. I have played all my life, but I will never play again. There is also a risk I will never be able to scaffold again and that is my livelihood.”

Mr Tavinor is now suing Mr Tyler. A High Court writ has been issued by Julie Carlisle, of Oxford solicitors Henmans.

It said Mr Tavinor would be permanently disadvantaged on the open labour market because of his injuries.

The writ said Mr Tavinor was seeking damages of at least £300,000.

Mr Tavinor, who also captained Witney Town, lives with his wife Sally, 35, daughters Erin, two, and Kit, 10, and son Max, 13.

He spent two years as a trainee at the Oxford United under Denis Smith, but his time at the Manor Ground was dogged by injury and he was released in 1994 without making a first-team appearance.

Mr Tavinor said: “I have a young family and it is worrying there is so much uncertainty over my future.

“Progress has been very slow so far and I have still got a metal frame around my leg.

“I just have to keep my head down and hope the leg keeps responding to treatment.

“Only time will tell.”

Doctors feared he might lose the leg, but an eight-hour emergency operation immediately after gave him a chance.

Mr Tavinor has undergone various operations, including skin grafts and an operation to insert a pin. He still uses crutches.