Kenyan wingback in recovery after hospital visit following head injury in Exeter’s League One defeat

Vincent Harper (on the grass) suffered a nasty head injury during Exeter City's 1-0 loss to Birmingham. Photo || Courtesy

Kenyan wingback in recovery after hospital visit following head injury in Exeter’s League One defeat

Mark Kinyanjui 16:59 - 19.01.2025

Harper, who was called up to the Harambee Stars squad in October 2023, has reacted for the first time after being discharged from hospital.

Exeter City’s left-back Vincent Harper has expressed relief after being discharged from the hospital following a worrying head injury sustained during his team’s 1-0 League One defeat to Birmingham City. 

The English -Kenyan, who earned a call up to the Harambee Stars squad in October 2023,   suffered a concussion late in the match, prompting an extended stoppage as medical teams attended to him on the pitch.

Harper was involved in a collision that left fans and teammates deeply concerned. Exeter manager Gary Caldwell provided an update shortly after the match, stating:

"Vinnie had a head-knock. He wasn't unconscious, which was a good sign, but he was sick on the pitch, which is never a good sign. He got the best treatment, and he is now at the hospital and will be assessed. We hope for the best."

Exeter City later confirmed via their social media pages that Harper had undergone tests, which thankfully came back negative. However, the 23-year-old was diagnosed with a concussion and will follow the mandatory return-to-play protocol.

"His tests came back negative, but he has a concussion. Thank you to everyone who took great care of him,” the club stated.

Harper himself took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to thank the medical teams who attended to him during and after the game.

"Big thank you to all the staff at @BCFC and @OfficialECFC for their help last night, as well as the staff at the Queen Elizabeth hospital. Glad to be back home," Harper posted.

Who is Vincent Harper?

While Harper is a relatively new name to Kenyan football fans, the left-back is gaining attention ahead of his maiden call-up to the Harambee Stars. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Harper moved to England as a toddler and holds dual citizenship for Kenya and England.

The 5’9” defender has had an impressive season for Exeter City in League One and recently committed his international future to Kenya, a decision that marks his first senior call-up to any national team. 

Harper’s international experience includes representing England’s C team earlier this year, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Wales.