The Lambourn trainer, 59, and son Jack, 15, were both hurt when the vehicle in which they were travelling crashed on the M1 on Wednesday as they returned to their Berkshire home.

The ex-player's friend, 63-year-old racing agent Tim Corby, of East Ilsley, Berks, died in the crash.

Channon and his youngest son were taken to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre for treatment. The trainer had a "tough old night" in intensive care after suffering broken ribs, a broken arm, a fractured jaw and a punctured lung, said son Michael Channon, 33.

He will undergo surgery on Friday to pin bones in his arm and have his jaw wired.

Jack Channon was left "battered and bruised" but was not seriously injured. He is undergoing medical checks as a precaution, his brother said.

Michael Channon, a video producer, said: "We have been petrified and worried and absolutely out of our wits worrying about our own family. But as for the Corbys, our hearts really go out to them.

"Tim was a friend of Mick's for over 30 years. He was a renowned figure in the racing scene who was universally popular in the industry and he will be sorely missed by the residents of East and West Ilsley, all of his many friends, and most of all the Corby family."

Mr Channon said Mr Corby leaves wife Sheila and daughter Adriana.

He added: "Mick is conscious and able to talk from his hospital bed and he's absolutely devastated at the loss of Tim.

"His heart goes out to Sheila and Adriana."

Channon also played for Newcastle United and Bristol Rovers during an illustrious footballing career.