Blow for Leatherhead as Hutchings breaks leg (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Blow for Leatherhead as Hutchings breaks leg

9:47am Friday 8th July 2011 in Ryman League By Graham Moody

Tommy Hutchings will miss the start of Leatherhead's Ryman Premier League season after breaking his leg in a freak accident.

The striker was out running with his younger brother two weeks ago and fell and broke his tibula, ruling him out until at least the end of August.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for manager Mick Sullivan just before his players resumed pre-season training last week and he remains pessimistic as to when last season's top scorer could return.

"It is big blow for the start of the season," said Sullivan.

"I don't think he will be able to return until at least September, if not October, but, Tommy being Tommy, he is staying positive and aiming for the end of August.

"I think he was out running with his younger brother and broke his tibula, so while it has been good to be back in training, losing Tommy is a big negative."

Sullivan will not dip his toe into the transfer market to find a replacement though having already signed midfielder Vernon Francis and forward Gary Drewett from Dulwich Hamlet and 6ft 8in defender Danny Gainsford.

"I have got Gary and he should be a good replacement for Tommy for the time being," said Sullivan.

"I am not going to go into the transfer market until I know what I need.

"We will see hoe the pre-season games go and then decide whether we need anything else.

"I have already added through the spine of the squad and in Vernon and Gary we have players who have Premier League experience."

A part of their pre-season training, Leatherhead will fly out to Spain on July 18 for a training camp and game ahead of the start of Ryman Premier season, the first time Sullivan will have managed at the level.

"It is fantastic to have the trip to Spain," said Sullivan.

"The club and the chairman, Peter Ashdown, have been great to give us that opportunity.

"The league is getting nearer and I have not managed at the level so it will be something to challenge myself against.

"I have confidence in myself and the players but I am always going to be pessimistic and we will not go in calling all the shots, we will work our way in and see if we can find out feet."

Tanners' pre-season games: July 16: Corinthian Casuals tournament against Kingstonian, Staines Town and Corinthian Casuals (a), 28 Colliers Wood United (a), Aug 9 Bognor Regis Town (h), 13 Merstham (h)