Fred Coleridge-Cole went for X-rays on his foot yesterday after being on the receiving end of a late challenge in a friendly match on Sunday evening. The results were not positive for the centre-half who now faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a broken metatarsal bone.

The news will come as another blow to 1st XI plans as the centre-back shortage continues: skipper Ed Poulter is out for the foreseeable future with a back injury, Johan Harder is unavailable all season and Fred Milln and Will Orr-Ewing are both absent for the opening match of the season on Saturday.

It is rumoured vice-captain Fred Richardson will turn to Jaguar Bajwa to provide cover in the heart of defence against Old Foresters at the weekend after performing well in last night's pre-season friendly. Jaguar last played for the 1st XI in the first match of last season - also vs Old Foresters.