Croudson Out for Three Months

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 17/07/2002

TOWN goalkeeper Steve Croudson will miss both Grimsby's Scandinavian tour and the start of next season, after a specialist has told him he needs three months to recuperate from a recent shoulder operation.

The irony is that Grimsby-born Croudson, who has played the role of perennial understudy during Danny Coyne's time as the Mariners' undisputed No. 1, should be unavailable for selection now that the Welshman is on the verge of leaving Blundell Park.

A club spokesman told the BBC: "You can't rush these things. The operation on his shoulder has not given him a full range of movement. After advice from his specialist he has been told to continue exercises for three months, which would obviously mean he would miss the start of the season."