Up hill and down Dale

If you were wondering where Dale Stephens was well it appears the club have been contemplating getting him some minor ankle surgery and the midfielder will have an op tomorrow morning. The timing makes sense and hopefully the talented youngster will be back challenging for a place during the Christmas programme.

I like Stephens a lot and its been a while since we have had a creative midfielder of his ilk and I am sure he will still have a big say in our season.

In the same breath Chris Powell announced that Bradley Pritchard will be back in full training this week but unfortunately young ‘keeper Conor Gough fractured a rib whilst on loan for Salisbury City and will miss their FA Cup game against Arlesey Town.

Simon Francis (remember him?) has finally moved to Bournemouth on loan and it will made permanent in January for, yes you’ve guessed it, a undisclosed fee! Bournemouth have had a recent cash boost with the investment from Russian Maxim Demin, who is targeting promotion to the Championship.

Finally tonight Charlton beat Scoham 9-0 in the FA Youth Cup 1st Round. More significant was the return of Harry Osborne, who broke his leg badly in pre-season.