Fireman Stuart is again on sidelines

Experienced defender Stuart Whitehead could be set for another spell on the AFC Telford United sidelines - due to his firefighting commitments.

The 34-year-old centre-back missed the first four games of the season for a training course and had to wait until the end of October for his chance in the team.

He has been an ever-present since then but that run came to an end with this afternoon's trip to Guiseley because of another specialist course.

And - though he could feature in Tuesday's game at home to Gainsborough - he will also be unavailable for the rearranged game at Hyde on Monday, March 14.

"I've been waiting since September for this course and I have to do it because it's an important one to do with the use of breathing apparatus," said Whitehead.

"It's holding my firefighting career back if I don't do it so I have no choice. If I didn't do it now then I don't even know when the next course will be.

"I'm gutted because I've been delighted with the way it's been going but there's nothing I can do."

Whitehead's absence this afternoon meant that loan defender Mark Preece from Mansfield was set to make his debut at Guiseley.