How do you solve a problem like Edwards?

The recently appointed club captain picked up a double fracture to his left leg aswell as a dislocated ankle after he fell awkwardly when chasing a ball back towards his goal in yesterday's pre-season game at St. Blazey.

Notts physio John Haselden said "we are talking months rather than weeks" when asked of Edwards' lay-off with the news meaning Notts' tour ended on a low note depite two positive results and some good training.

For the record Notts were comfortable 2-0 victors with Hector Sam's first for the club and another goal by Andy Parkinson providing more pre-season confidence.

However the game will only ever be remembered for the injury to the Notts number 4, a player well respected around the club after two excellent ever-present seasons following a first season spent out entirely through injury after suffering ligament damage.

Notts will be hoping it isn't a season ending injury, particularly with many predicting the campaign will be a successful one.

However, Edwards was set to be one of the key figures in that. Indeed, had you asked me which player we could least afford to lose ahead of the season Edwards would top my list for his sheer consistency, passion and knowledge of the club.

Now Notts boss Steve Thompson - who admitted to being a little fortunate last season to avoid serious injuries - has to plan without arguably the finest centre-back in the league.

Despite having a solid looking first choice back line in Adam Tann, Edwards, Stephen Hunt and Austin McCann, plus able deputies at full-back in Gary Silk and Paul Mayo, Thompson already knew another defender was a must to provide backup and competition.

Byron... Arrival now more likely?

Michael Byron, recently released by Hull City, spent the end of last season on loan at Meadow Lane and impressed sufficiently to be promised a deal with the club - after he has recovered from his own lengthy injury which will keep him out of the first two months of the new campaign.

But, with the budget already spent, where will Thompson look?

Many fans and personnel within the club are predicting a successful season, but optimism has waned after the injury such is the seeming lack of cover at the back.

It seems likely that Tann will become Hunt's central defensive partner. It is a ready made replacement with Tann of the same ilk as Edwards - an unnerving, uncompromising consistent defender.

This would see Silk become a regular at right-back - not a problem as he came on in leaps and bounds towards the end of last season, and would surely have pushed Tann to be first team regular there anyway.

Then it looks worrying. Say Hunt or Tann got injured - and both have had bad luck in that department in the recent past - then who plays?

Some suggest Mayo who was excellent there when filling in for Lincoln City last season. However, this was a short term fix with Mayo certainly not a long term solution there given his lack of physical presence and often exposed positional sense. Plus he is naturally left footed - alike with Hunt - and this would mean a lack of balance.

Tann... Natural deputy

Others suggest Matt Somner - Thompson's preferred holding midfielder. However he is unlikely to command a real presence stuck at the back and more likely to gift possession and free-kicks in dangerous areas. Also you would lose his effectiveness in the middle of the park.

Therefore this huge blow can surely only be dealt with by Thompson begging the board to allow a loan signing to cover the months until Edwards is back.

An experienced deputy would be ideal, given the expected promotion push and the otherwise youthful look to the backline in the form of Silk and Hunt.

NCM now urge the board, prove yourself to be ambitious and allow Thompson to replace what is obviously a huge loss.

We wish Edwards all the best with his recovery.