Lodge sidelined after stroke

The Castle manager, who missed their 2-1 defeat at home to Chasetown, felt unwell on Saturday night after returning from a short break and later suffered a stroke.

The 53-year-old, pictured, remains in hospital after undergoing a successful operation and was put through his paces for the first time on Monday by his physio as he starts out on the road to recovery.

In a statement issued by the First Division South club on Monday, secretary Ray Tatton said: "The club is saddened to report that popular manager Ivan Lodge was taken seriously ill on Saturday evening and taken to hospital where he still remains.

"Ivan had just returned from a short break when he complained of headaches and was taken to hospital following a stroke. Following a successful operation he appears to be on the mend and the good news today is that the physio has had him up as part of his recovery.

"All our thoughts are with his family at the moment and hopefully it won’t be too long before he is back with Castle and home with his family. His family and the club would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and messages for a speedy recovery."

Lodge's number two, Port Vale legend Robbie Van Der Laan, has stepped up to take charge of team affairs and will be assisted by Will Ryder and the club's reserve team management duo of Dave Dale and Callum Carey for the first time at Romulus on Saturday.

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