Khela forced to delay return

The popular centre-back dislocated his shoulder towards the end of last season and, despite bravely returning to help his side to play-off glory, has since undergone surgery.

He is now back in training, but has been told by his surgeon that he cannot risk competitive football until the first Saturday of August.

That means the trip to Marine that day and the game at The New Saints on August 7 are the only friendlies he could feature in before the Blue Square North campaign begins at Hucknall on August 11.

"The surgeon has said he can do all the running and training but he doesn't want him involved in competitive games until August 4," assistant manager Larry Chambers confirmed.

"He'll be fit, but he won't be match fit. I imagine he'll be fit enough if we want him for the first game.

"He'd be in my first XI every time, but I'd never rush him back for the sake of it. If he doesn't come through, we've still got the likes of Andy Jones, Jimmy Turner, Richard Teesdale, Asa Charlton and maybe Andy Tretton to choose from.

"It's a long season, and if he can't play in the first game or two, then so be it."

Meanwhile, Carl Rodgers - who ended last season as captain of the side in the play-off final - looks set to miss the first pre-season friendly at home to Chester City on Tuesday.

Rodgers has a slight groin strain and has also picked up a virus and has been unable to train this week.

"I'd say it's doubtful he's in contention for Tuesday," said Chambers.

"He's been off work this week so he's been unable to come in to see Rudy (Farquharson, the club physio) to get treatment for his groin."