News: Page 2

Tuesday 30th January, 2007

Red Park Pull Juan Back

The Griffins are set to welcome back Juan Pablova to their ranks after negotiations for an early release from his loan agreement looked to be going well. The Columbian born, left footed, midfielder, who has been at Sheffield Wednesday since the beginning of the 2004-05 season, is reported to be 'delighted' at the prospect of a return to Red Park City. Whilst the official line at Red Park is that the deal is still very much 'under discussion', one source close to the club to us: "His Griffins shirt has been printed, his locker has been allocated - it's a formality!"

In other transfer news, rumours abound that Red Park City Coach, Joe Bolton, is looking to sign a new defender. Whilst details of the player in question remain tantalisingly sparse Bolton has hinted in several post-match interviews that he intends to remedy problems at the back with a certain special someone. Speaking after the Griffins' 3-0 drubbing at Everton earlier this month, he said: "Some might say that the back four were far too static today. I'd have to agree with them but it's not a problem were going to have to stand for for much longer. Just one defender with the pace and commitment to come forward, that's all you need to unlock that situation."

Monday 15th January, 2007

Griffins' Stopper Given The 'All Clear'

After intensive tests Banjo Bailey was allowed out of hospital today. Sporting a full neck brace and being pushed in a wheelchair the Tasmanian keeper told reporters: "No worries. I'm gonna be just fine." It is believed that Bailey will now spend a week at a private sports injury clinic.

Disaster struck on Saturday in the 37th minute of the Griffins' 3-0 victory over Middlesborough when the Red Park City Number 1 collided with Woodgate and Yakubu. He tipped in the air and fell very awkwardly. Red Park defender Gary Rogers told us: "He came down almost head-first. As he hit the ground his neck just buckled and I thought I heard something snap. Then he just lay there, real still, like he was asleep."

The keeper received over ten minutes of treatment on the field but did not regain consciousness until he was on-board the ambulance. Whilst doctors have diagnosed severe neck muscle strains, which will keep him out of action for a month at least, they are now fully confident that Bailey has not caused any permanent damage. One of the medical staff told us: "He's a lucky guy. I think 'Banjo' is a nickname, perhaps 'Rubber-Neck' is more appropriate."