If you're going to Lincoln - take your boots!!

Last updated : 03 October 2002 By Andy Burton
Just when it couldn't get any worse it does!!

Following the injury to Shaun Maher during the Darlington match, Jason Tindall is now sidelined as well.
Both players are suffering with problems with their knees. Maher sustained bone and cartilage damage, which is need of an operation to rectify the problem. The op itself will trim damage cartilage pads, and together with the bruised knee bones, he will be missing from the first team for 3 months.

Tindall, on the other hand, has an inflammed knee, which will keep him out for a while. A scan will reveal the full extent of the problem.

In the meatime, Sean O'Driscoll has a night mare situation to sort out - what to do about the central defence!! Karl Broadhurst will be available, and 17-year-old Tim Bond will be drafted in to the squad for Saturday's trip to Lincoln City, having already impressed in the youth and reserves.

But some relief has been handed to the Club from the PFA, to whom we owe £180,000, used to cover wages during the Summer. Despite the current transfer embargo on the Club, the PFA have granted AFC Bournemouth dispensation to sign a player on loan. Although they have agreed to the move, the decision needs to be agreed by the Football League before any deal can be done. For this to happen the Club need to identify a player who is willing to come, and a deal struck with their Club where wages are concerned. Nothing is cut and dried at the moment, but it is believed that Sean does have a player or two in mind for a months loan.

As for the other injured players:
Derek Holmes will be having an operation to rectify his "sportsmans hernia" and will be out for 3 weeks after the operation.

Gareth O'Connor has had an operation on his broken knuckle, and will be out for 2 weeks.

For the full story, please see AFCB's Official Site.

Number of fit players left for the Lincoln game? 17!! So take your boots, you might need them!!