Defender Jimmy Turner has been ruled out of the start of AFC Telford United’s Blue Square North campaign due to an infection in his knee.The former Tamworth man, who skippered the side to second place last May, had expected to be back in time for pre-season training following a clean-up operation earlier in the summer.

But he had to go back into hospital for another operation last week after the wound became infected. He was kept in for four days and has been told it will be at least 10 weeks before he can resume playing.

“They found out it was infected when he went in for a blood test and last Wednesday he had to go back in for another clean-up operation,” assistant manager Larry Chambers revealed.

“He was released on Saturday morning and came straight to he ground to see us, but we’re talking about him being out for 10 to 12 weeks minimum.

“It’s a big setback for everyone, and for Jimmy in particular. He’s devastated by it because we thought it would just be a routine clean-up job.”

Chambers will now discuss the situation with manager Rob Smith when he returns from holiday on Wednesday, and admitted: “We may need to bring another player in.

“Jimmy is a quick healer so we will just have to see how it goes, but we’re operating with a small squad.”

The Bucks began their pre-season preparations with a running session on the track at Oakengates Leisure Centre on Saturday – giving new signings Liam Blakeman, Gavin Cowan, Terry Fearns and Andy Brown a first chance to meet their Telford team-mates.

And they have plenty more hard work in front of them this week, with a gathering at Wrekin College planned for tomorrow evening before two hill-running sessions on The Wrekin on Thursday and Saturday.

“The general level of fitness is decent,” added Chambers. “They’re all at different levels but I’m pretty pleased.”

By Chris Hudson