Holland Out Until After Christmas

Epsom Downs will be without versatile midfielder and Club Secretary for at least 3 months the clubs doctors can reveal, as the player recovers from his severely broken collar bone.

Holland, who had an argument with a kerb on his mountain bike (and lost), fell over the handle bars and landed awkwardly breaking his right clavicle in 3 places. He managed to get to his phone and call a work colleague who kindly cam and scooped him up and off to St Helier hospital in Carlshalton, where he was operated on and eventually discharged Sunday afternoon.

" It's a big blow to me. I havent seen much pre season 11 a side action this season as we've struggled for a team. I played most of our Old Wimbledonians game in goal and got 15 minutes for the resevres last week, but generally I've been relying on 5 a side for my fitness.

I did however feel really good and was really up for the season. We have a few new faces who look like they are going to do well for us. Looks like I'll be finding that out for myself on the sidelines. "

Holland will be sorely missed by the Downs, due to his versatility. With no left back as usch this season and a space available in Centre Midfield, Holland would have been an ideal candidate for both given his past experience.

" Yeah I was looking forward to perhaps filling the gap left by Mark Bickell in centre mid. But luckily we have Dobsy and new boy Lee Atkins who can both play in that position. I would have happily gone in at left back. Everyone knows I still bomb forward from the back anyway. "

Holland will return to hospital within 10 days of discharge to have the dressings removed, then expects 4-5 weeks of recovery followed by another 4-5 weeks of physiotherapy and rebuilding the right arm.

" Its going to be a long couple of months. Thankfully I have a lot of movement thanks to the operation whereby I had a plate put in to join the clavicle back together. Hopefully the boys will do weel without me and we'll have a good start in the league. "

Next Match:

Epsom Downs Vs Wickham Wanderers - 29/11/2009 (GA Cup)

Epsom Downs Reserves Vs AFC Old Bank - 29/11/09 (Div 8)

Est. 2004