VAUXHALL Motors have been dealt a huge setback for the new season after it was revealed defender Alan Griffiths has snapped his cruciate ligament, ruling him out of the entire campaign.
Griffiths, Vauxhall’s club captain and longest-serving player, only became aware of the scale of the injury after investigations into a suspected cartilage problem which had sidelined him for most of last season, revealed more damage than expected.
Manager Carl Macauley, whose players are ready to return for pre-season training, said: "It’s a real blow for us."
Griffiths has played only twice since being carried off the pitch on a stretcher against Fleetwood Town last August.
Macauley now has to go looking for a replacement for his club captain.
"We are close to making a few signings in addition to tying up deals for some of last season’s squad," he said.
Macauley has revealed he is chasing a couple of other targets, including ex-Bootle striker Andy Fowler.
He added: "I’ve been to watch Fowler a number of times but need to see him again in order to make a decision as to whether he can adapt to Conference North football. Certainly up front is an area we are looking to bolster."
The first friendly of the pre-season period is edging closer, with a Blackburn Rovers XI coming to Rivacre Park on Saturday, July 10 (3pm). Three days later the Motormen host Dean Saunders’ Wrexham at 7.30pm, while on Saturday, July 24 they pay a visit to Evo-Stik North side Witton Albion (3pm). Admission prices for the home friendlies are £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for students, while children can watch for free. Children can also enter free for all matches in the forthcoming season, except cup games.
There are still a number of places up for grabs at Rivacre Park’s Summer Soccer Camp. The event, which begins on Monday, July 26, is geared up for children aged five-14 and features qualified Liverpool FC coaches. The cost for the week is £70. For details call 0151 639 3955.
