A SHAMED company director knocked a former goalkeeper unconscious and left him on the middle of a road.

Harris Smith struck ex-Clyde star Derek Atkins, 60, in Glasgow’s Trongate on September 10, 2019.

The 32-year-old had earlier lashed out at the former Queen’s Park stopper after an argument outside a pub.

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Mr Atkins suffered a fractured nose, an ear wound and was initially unable to open his eye due to swelling.

Smith, who is a director of his family business, pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the assault to Mr Atkins’ severe injury.

The court heard Smith pushed him to the ground then an argument took place before Mr Atkins ran off around 3am.

Smith tried to punch Mr Atkins before pushing him to the ground and kicked his body.

Smith then tried to kick him on the head before Mr Atkins fled again but was followed by the brute.

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Prosecutor Carrie Stevens said: “Smith caught him, pulled him to the ground and kicked him his body.

“Mr Atkins got back to his feet and gesticulated towards Smith who then ran after him.

“He punched him on the head causing Mr Atkins to fall to the ground.

“He then approached Mr Atkins as he lay on the ground and delivered a further punch causing Mr Atkins’ head to strike the ground and walk away.”

The court viewed chilling CCTV of the attack in which Mr Atkins was left motionless on the middle of the road.

Mr Atkins was taken to hospital for treatment and had a suspected bleed to the brain which was later excluded by CT scan.

Miss Stevens added: “He described in a police statement as feeling anxious and scared following the attack.

“He doesn’t remember what happened or who did it and that adds to the anxiety issues he already had prior to the attack.”

Defence counsel Euan Dow said: “Mr Smith is single, lives alone and is the director of the family business and works 70 hours a week.”

Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports by Sheriff Tom Hughes who bailed Smith, of Glasgow’s city centre, meantime.