Dolly gave us a quick injury update before he travelled with the team to Port Vale:

Paul Thirlwell got through a full 90 minutes with the Reserve team at Preston, which was excellent. I didn't think he'd get that far, to be honest. It was a good game for him to come back, and he got through with no problems at all. He was a little bit stiff on the Thursday, which was to be expected, but other than that he's fine. We have changed his rehab a little bit, as we went back to his biomechanics expert down in London, and we have a different programme this time. He seems to be seeing the benefit of that, which is superb for him and us. 

Gary Madine got a kick across the top of his foot in the same Reserve game, and he had to come off. He will be out for this weekend's Youth game, simply because it's quite bruised and swollen. At the moment we are very hopeful that he will be fine for next Thursday, and the Youth Cup game. We just have to get it settled down and get him moving again.

It's been a busy week for me personally, as well. I became a father for the second time on Tuesday. I had a little boy called Jack, who arrived two and a half weeks early. He was born on 5 February, which is two days before my own birthday, so I should be able to remember it I would think! He's a brother for Lois, and both mam and son are fine. Of course I will be travelling down to Port Vale with the team ... which should at least mean a good nights sleep!

Keep well,

Dolly