Harwood ruled out for rest of the year

Monday 01st June 2009

HOLMESDALE begin their search for a new goalkeeper today as Danny Harwood speaks about the extent of his injuries sustained in the club's penultimate game of last season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Harwood, who turns 36 on June 22nd, was stretchered off after half-an-hour of the club's 1-1 draw at Hythe Town in April, and told www.kentishfootball.co.uk today that he faces a lengthy time on the sidelines.

"I came out for a high cross over John Maloney and Pat Kingwell (Hythe striker) and claimed the ball cleanly and landed a little too well, my studs taking to the ground really well," he recalled.

"Kingwell stumbled back into me and because my foot was planted, his weight, when he fell into me, caused my knee to hyper-extend backwards.

"The femur (thigh bone) smashed into the tibia, causing a depression fracture to the tibial plateu. It was very painful!"

The former Erith & Belvedere, Bromley and Croydon stopper, admitted this is injury that he has suffered during his playing career to date.

"I've had minor ligament injuries and dislocated fingers but never one that required surgery and a prolonged break from the game," said Harwood, who goes under the knife shortly.

He added: "I go in for surgery on June 11 to fix the ligament damage to the Meniscus, Posterial Cruciate and Medial Cruciate ligaments. Additionally, I'll need a bone graft to repair a fracture to the Tibial Plateau."

He aims to return to action for the Bromley based side next January or February, and is disappointed that he'll be forced to watch from the sidelines, having played a key part in the Dalers' challenging for the Bulmers Cider Kent League title, before completing their second campaign at this level in fifth place.

"Our season exceeded all expectation, with the reserves winning their league and the first team challenging right up to the final weeks," said Harwood.

"Next season is an exciting season for the club with some big plans which will be announced soon, plus a first ever appearance in the FA Cup, making my injury even more disappointing."

Club secretary, who first joined the club back in 1984 when the club were playing Thornton Heath & District League football, spoke about the plans that Harwood mentioned.

"Going forwards into next season the management and playing staff have learnt a lot from the last two seasons and people have to remember that we are a young club at the senior level of football and it will take some time to acclimatise ourselves and get the ground ready for promotion," Mr Hayes told www.holmesdalefc.co.uk.

"As a club we are looking to progress, and with the management and club officials working hard behind the scenes, we hope to get off to a good start again and continue it on to the end of the season.

"Plans are in place to improve our facilities and we hope to have them done by the end of the (2009-10) season.

"A number of players have already re-signed and are keen to get back to pre-season training on the 30th June. There will be some announcements in the near future."

Mr Hayes added: "We hope that the spectators that came to Oakley Road enjoyed the type of football we tried to play and that they come back with friends and colleagues to support us again next season."

Visit Holmesdale's website: www.holmesdalefc.co.uk