Whitehead sees ray of hope

AFC Telford United skipper Stuart Whitehead is targeting a late January return after resuming light training.

Defender Whitehead has not been able to do any form of exercise since tearing medial knee ligaments in the FA Trophy win at Gainsborough more than a month ago.

The initial prognosis predicted a fortnight on the sidelines, but it was only this week that he has been able to do even light weight work in the gym.

"It's feeling a lot better than it was, but I think I'm still at least four weeks away from a return," said the 32-year-old, who is due to start full rehab at Lilleshall next week.

"The end of January is a target – but they have said that it could yet be eight weeks."

Whitehead has been forced to sit helplessly as the Bucks churned out one victory after victory before today's Blue Square North derby at Stafford Rangers.

Gavin Cowan has taken over the captain's armband and, while Whitehead has tried to retain some influence in the dressing room, he admits that has been proving difficult.

"Gavin is a great extrovert," he added. "He's good in the changing rooms and I think he's relishing the captaincy and doing a great job.

"I try to retain some influence as club captain, but most work is done on the pitch – and then the team have Rob (Smith) and Larry (Chambers) in the changing rooms.

"There is something special going on at the moment and it's just gutting not to be more involved.

"Our play has been unbelievable lately, we've looked solid all over the pitch. I think it all started in the cup runs.

"That gave us the confidence in our performances and it's just rolled on game after game since – we're like a machine.

"Teams fear us now. Stalybridge are one of the most free-scoring teams in the league but came here and defended and didn't really hurt us (as Telford won 1-0)."