Injury rules influential midfielder out of season

After coming off injured in the First Division South club's pre-season friendly against Port Vale last month, it was confirmed on Sunday that scans had revealed that the 23-year-old influential midfielder has suffered a torn ACL ligament.

Castle officials say the former Stoke City, Natwich Town and Kidsgrove Athletic player will be out for 10 months after undergoing an reconstruction operation on the knee.

In more positive news for fans of Ivan Lodge's side, both Tim Sanders and Tom France have returned to the Lyme Valley Stadium for the upcoming 2015-16 campaign.

Both players switched at the end of last year to National League North outfit Hednesford Town but having been released last week, have been warmly welcomed back by Lodge.

Sanders skippered the club to a third place finish and a place in the league's play-offs last term. He was also picked in the divisional team of the year as well as scoring 17 goals. France returns to add his wing play to the side and give more balance down the right side.

Both players will be available for selection by Lodge for his side's big kick-off to the new season away at Belper Town on Saturday.

Lodge said: “It’s great to have them back as they are such an influence on and off the park and have completed our build up of the squad."

Image courtesy of Newcastle Town FC

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