Brad Bounces Back

By: Stephen Bateman
Date: 10/01/2001

Mariners striker Bradley Allen will not be requiring surgery on a damaged ankle and he could be back in first-team action by the end of next month. That was the verdict of a top London consultant who has now laid to rest any fears that Allen may be sidelined for the rest of the season.

The Romford-born hitman is now recovering at the FA's Lilleshall Rehabilitation Centre before returning to the care of Grimsby Town physio Paul Mitchell. Almost as relieved as Allen himself will be Mariners boss Lennie Lawrence: "If he doesn't break down again, we could have him back for first team duty for the end of February," a delighted Lawrence told reporters. "That's a pleasing bit of news. If he's back for the last couple of months it's a less of a worry about the goalscoring. Without Brad you're light in the out-and-out goalscoring department." In spite of Grimsby's urgent need to get the forward back to full fitness, Lawrence made it clear that Allen will not be rushed in his recovery: "He needs a mini pre-season because he hasn't done anything for a while - but that's good news." Meanwhile, long-term casualty Alan Pouton has now resumed light training after under-going a successful knee operation. The midfielder is now expected to enter the second phase of his comeback next week when he resumes a full training schedule.

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