Another injury set-back as Richo's ruled out

The 34-year old Notts manager originally sustained the injury as the Magpies romped to victory over Rochdale in September of last year. Since that 3-0 victory, however, Richardson has turned out just once for the Magpies since his injury was suffered.

His last run-out coming in the 1-0 defeat at Gigg Lane in Richo’s earlier days as Notts boss.

Richo: Out for the season?

The Notts boss – who has made just twelve appearances this campaign – underwent surgery in late December, surgery which was originally thought to see the Magpies’ all-action gaffer back in action shortly after the turn of the year.

However, following his trip to a specialist in Sheffield last week, Richardson has been dealt another blow in his battle to get fit after conceding that an operation later in the week will be required to correct the problem. An operation that, ultimately, could wrap up the 2004/05 campaign in a playing capacity for the club’s longest serving player.

Speaking to the club’s Official site earlier today, the Magpies manager said "I went to see the specialist in Sheffield last weekend, and he has discovered what the problem is, so now I am going to have surgery on the knee of Friday, and have a bit of a clean-up on it,"

"I imagine that I won't play again this season, but I have been told that I should be fine for pre-season training, so that is good."

"The specialist said he knew straight away what the problem was when the other surgeon spoke to him who had been dealing with me before, but if you ask me I don't have a clue what the problem is," he added.

The long-term injury to Richardson, if it transpires to finish his season, would see fans-favourite Richardson become the club’s third longer term injury worry, following Mike Edwards (knee) and striker Gavin Gordon (jaw) onto the Magpies’ casualties list.

With the club’s fortunes floundering of late, however, the injury may come as a blessing in disguise, allowing Richardson to focus solely on the task of steering the Magpies further from the mire of relegation woes and towards mid-table mediocrity that has recently eluded the Magpies’ sights.

The extended injury of Richardson now balances out the rising fortunes of the close-to-returning figure of Steve Scoffham who, as reported by NCM earlier today, could well feature in County’s clash with Bristol Rovers this coming weekend.