New injury setback for Bognor - but key defender has signed

Bognor have been hit by a double injury blow as they assemble their squad ahead of the new season. But they have finally landed key defender Joe Cook.
Siph Mdlalose is treated at HorndeanSiph Mdlalose is treated at Horndean
Siph Mdlalose is treated at Horndean

One promising trialist has been ruled out long-term with a ruptured Achilles – as reported at the weekend - but another is now out for at least a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury.

The longer-term casualty is attacker Siph Mdlalose, who was hurt in an innocuous looking incident early in the Rocks’ 4-0 win at Horndean last Friday.

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The hamstring victim is striker Jason Parish, who had scored in each of the first two friendlies.

Manager Jack Pearce said it was unfortunate, especially for Mdlalose, who the club would do their best to help in his recovery.

“It’s typical of our luck with injuries and you just hope it’s not going to carry on like that all season,” he said.

Apart from those setbacks, Pearce is happy with the way the squad is coming together with just over three weeks to go before the season starts.

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The squad got a major boost on Wednesday night, when the Rocks won 6-0 at East Preston, as defender Cook signed. The centre-half made a huge difference to the team in two loan spells from Havant last season and his recruitment this summer has been seen as key part of building a team capable of challenging at the top.

Midfielder Jake Flannigan is another they are hoping to sign, though there is talk of a trial at Grimsby for him. And Parish and Alfie Lis are others who appear to have done enough to earn a deal.

Pearce said he remained concerned at the squad’s lack of firepower. “If we need anything it’s more up front – not to replace those we have but to add to what we have. Goals are a valuable commodity and you’ll be found out if you don’t have people who can score enough.”

Bognor are in friendly action at East Preston this evening (Aug 26) and their next game is at Chichester City nest Friday, September 4. Fans are allowed but it's all-ticket to limit numbers.