Mr Douglas was out with friends from his old football days following a friend’s wedding.

At 2.15am after leaving the Regal Hotel, he was set upon by two complete strangers.

He was king-hit from behind and fell face down.

While one of Mr Douglas’ friends pursued the attacker at least one man kicked him repeatedly in the head.

The imprint of a shoe was left on the side of his face.

Injuries included six facial fractures, a broken jaw in two places, two breaks on either side of his nose, his forehead and an eye socket.

After being treated by paramedics at the scene he was taken to Tamworth and then to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital.

Doctors at Royal North Shore said Mr Douglas was fortunate not to have lost his sight in the damaged eye.

He was scheduled to undergo surgery yesterday

afternoon.