The former Manchester United trainee had his career wrecked in 2003 when his right leg was broken in two places by a tackle from Middlesbrough's Gary Smith.

Although he attempted a comeback, Collett, now 23, was unable to sustain the level required to be a professional and was ultimately forced to retire from the game.

"This is good news for a young man who appeared to have an excellent career in front of him," said Professional Footballers Association chief Taylor.

"But it also sends out a message to everyone about the duty of care they have to their opponents.

"Football is a very competitive sport and accidents do happen but you should always play within the laws of the game."

Mrs Justice Swift described Smith's tackle as high and "over the ball".

Both Smith and Middlesbrough had already accepted liability in a case where both Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and captain Gary Neville spoke on Collett's behalf during the previous hearing.

Ferguson told Manchester High Court during the earlier hearing: "I thought the boy showed fantastic focus and a great attitude to work hard. They are qualities to give any player an outstanding chance in the game."

The court had heard that Collett could have earned more than £13,000 a week, if he had played until the age of 35.

Leading agent Mel Stein gave evidence at the hearing. And while he accepted Collett had been awarded a huge sum, Stein does not believe it will alter the principles of the game.

"Insurance is for things like this," he said.

"I don't see anything ground-breaking in this.

"If I had been involved in a car crash, suffered brain damage and could not fulfil my career I would be entitled to claim, so I don't see why this case should be any different.

"By all accounts Ben Collett was already a very good player and had great potential. If he had hung around in the game he would have earned significant sums of money but we are not always in charge of our own destinies."

Stein at least takes solace from the fact Collett appears to be a well-grounded individual, although the cash itself will never compensate for what might have been.

"I have seen a lot of people have a career or half a career in football and not be able to cope when it comes to an end," Stein added. "Paul Gascoigne immediately springs to mind.

"But Ben is a very bright young man who's going to university and hopefully will have a very good career and life."

Collett now intends to take up a place at Leeds University to study English.

His solicitor, Jan Levinson, said the former footballer and his family were happy the case had now virtually come to a close and that Ben could move on to the next chapter in his life.

However, Taylor wonders if the effects of the case will have a major effect further down the football food chain.

"Financially there could be an impact," he said.

"Insurance companies are not going to be happy if players behave in a reckless or dangerous way.

"Just because you are on a football field, it does not mean you are not subject to the law of the land."