It is believed that his collapse may have been due to a burst blood vessel in his brain.
The coma has been medically induced to allow staff at the hospital to assess his condition as they wait for pressure and swelling in the affected area to reduce.Smith is one of several Channel Islands youngsters who has forged links with the Premiership club and is acknowledged as a very promising footballer.
He was taking part in trials for the club when he was taken ill.Southampton FC was home to Guernseyman Matt Le Tissier for many years while the CI link continues with Jersey’s Graeme Le Saux a current first team regular and 16-year-old Jersey schoolboy Joel Speight currently playing at junior level for the club.Although it is not thought that Ollie and Joel would have been training together on Tuesday, the pair have met in inter-island matches, most recently in the Star Trophy game where the young Sarnian’s speed and skill kept the Jersey defence – which included Joel – occupied.Joel’s father James Speight said this morning that Ollie’s collapse was very shocking.’They don’t know each other all that well, but Joel gets on well with him when they do meet.
Ollie’s a pleasant lad, it’s an awful thing to happen to anyone, but especially a 15-year-old who you would think must be fit and in the best of health.’
