Magpies sweat on Whitlow scare

Last updated : 16 January 2005 By Richard Brown

Whitlow, 37 last week, has been a commanding presence for the Magpies since the departure of Gary Mills and, after being stretched off in yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Southend, currently finds himself at the middle of yet another major injury worry for the Magpies.

Whitlow: Captain Supreme
With Mike Edwards (knee ligament damage), Ian Richardson (ligamentwear-and-tear’) and Steve Scoffham (broken leg) all having been ruled out for spells reaching from anything between two and ten months, the outlook appears less than ideal, to say the very least.

And another injury worry to boot, let alone someone of Whitlow’s calibre and experience, could well see Richardson – close to a first team return – look to dip into the pot of ‘bonus’ money from County’s FA Cup excursions for added personnel, especially after having had an unknown player’s loan move fall through at the eleventh hour not so long ago.

"Mike has been brilliant for us over the past few weeks. He has been outstanding and lead us like a true skipper," said Richardson, speaking to the gathering press after the 0-0 draw.

"I think he has torn is medial ligaments, so if that is the case he is set to be out for a while and we are going to miss him that is for sure,"

Be sure to keep in touch with NCM for any news on the situation over the coming days.