Neal Ardley praised paramedics at Nottingham Trent University as he recounted the serious injury which ended Sam Graham’s loan spell at Notts County.
The defender went to clear a cross during training on Tuesday but ruptured his Achilles in the process and immediately required medical attention.
An ambulance was called as paramedics at the the University, where Notts were training, also rushed to aid the on-loan Sheffield United defender.
Ardley ended training early and sent the players sent back to the club for lunch as Graham continued to receive treatment.
The defender has since confirmed his season is over and Magpies boss Ardley said he was deeply saddened by the incident.
“It was a horrible moment,” he said.
“He went down in real agony and we had to call a halt to training.
“The paramedics at NTU were fantastic. He was in that much pain he had to go on morphine.
“It is not something you get used to no matter how long you have been in the game.
“We could see how serious it was and got the players off back for lunch.
“It was a horrible day. It dampened the whole mood. We’ve lost a good personality as well as a good player.”
Graham had become a regular starter under Ardley and the Premier League Blades rate the defender as an exciting prospect.
Ardley said it was not just what he contributed on the pitch that was an asset, but the way he handled himself in the dressing room where he was a hugely popular figure.
“It’s a huge blow,” he said.
“For what he has brought on the pitch, and for a young lad, he has learned very, very quickly.
“He’s played really well lately as the team and its shape has evolved.
“The lads love him and so do the staff. He’s great off the pitch and we were enjoying developing him.”
