Scoff finally set for return

Last updated : 21 February 2005 By Richard Brown

The long awaited news of Steve Scoffham’s return has finally been delivered today, with the judgement being that we could well be seeing the raw gusto of the German-born forward back on the pitch within the next month or so.

Scoff: The second coming...
Picking up the initial injury on the concluding day of last season – before aggravating his condition in the latter stages of 2004 due to a fall at home, it would be fair to say that ‘Scoff’ has endured a torrid time of late.

After the injury having been identified as a broken leg, Scoffham – in what was supposed to have been his first complete season in the professional game – has yet to feature at any stage of the Magpies’ League Two campaign.

The 21-year old striker, over nine months after his initial injury was incurred, was due for the necessary scans to resume training little over a month ago, the results determining the extent to which the injury has healed.

However, after being laid low with illness, Scoffham’s lay-off was prolonged further, with the scan having to have been put back an extra month, allowing for Scoffham to pursue match fitness through an light, individual training plan.

After starting in just four County matches, scoring twice, the injury boost of former tradesman, Scoffham – who allegedly took a pay cut to join the Magpies in February of last year – comes just 24 hours after fellow striker, Gavin Gordon’s season was cruelly ended due to facial injuries. Perfect timing, eh?

Richo: Once bitten....
Ian Richardson, however, is not going to rush the former non-league marksman back to injury, especially considering Richardson’s experiences of rushed injuries.

Speaking to the Notts County Official Site earlier today, manager Ian Richardson said "The scans revealed everything suggests to be fine with Steve, but he will be undergoing only light training this week, as we really don't want to rush him,"

"He will, all being well, make it back into full training next week. Like I said though, we really don't want to push him because we don't want to see him back on the sidelines."

Be sure to check out NCM for more news and features on Scoffham’s return throughout the week.