Edwards will be back, insists Ford

Friday 15th September 2006

VCD Athletic’s 2-1 win over Beckenham Town at Eden Park Avenue on Tuesday night was overshadowed by a “dreadful” injury to full-back Danny Edwards, something that boss Martin Ford is finding “very hard to overcome”.

Ford, who takes his side to Southern Leaguers Bashley tomorrow in the FA Cup first qualifying round, issued the following statement.

“Lets get the facts right, Danny injured himself going in for a tackle, which by his own admission was clumsy.

“Dan assures us that the injury was not a direct result of the tackle but it was his misfortune to catch his studs in the turf, which caused the injury.

“For the record Dan has fractured his fibula in three places and has had his dislocated ankle re-set in an operation that lasted two hours.

“Dan is in good spirits and would like to thank everyone that has been in touch with me or the club regarding his injury. Dan is now out of hospital and will be in plaster for six weeks.

“Thankfully Dan has a job that will give him the opportunity to work from home. so in due respects that is the priority at the moment.

“Every effort, as a club, we can do, we will do, for Danny, and he will be well looked after, I can assure everyone one of that.

“Knowing Danny as I do he will be back playing again next season, whether the wife indoors lets him, is another matter .

“Finally closing the matter I would like to point out that as a club we do not attach any of the blame to the pitch at Beckenham Town. Sure it's not the best, but there are many that are a lot worse.

“I would also like to go on record to thank the people at Beckenham Town for the help they also gave Danny on Tuesday evening.”

Back to footballing matters Ford added: “We are in bits, player wise, but the lads have once more done the club proud with there recent efforts.

“We go to Bashley on Saturday in the FA Cup with seven of our main players missing, which obviously is not ideal. The lads will, however, not give a toss and will be very much up for the challenge, I can assure you.

“Finally, contrary to rumours, the ground will be ready in plenty of time for our opening league fixture at home to Croydon on the 28th. We are now just finishing off the new kitchen, boardroom and turnstile entrance and are nearly there on all three fronts.”

Visit VCD Athletic's website: www.vcd-athletic.co.uk