Edmundson ban ruins chances of recall

GEORGE EDMUNDSON: Six-match suspension

GEORGE Edmundson has scuppered his chances of first-team action for Athletic after picking up a whopping six-game ban that will keep the young defender out of action until early next year.

The highly-rated centre-back (19) has been disciplined by Athletic as a result of his wrongdoing, which concerned a red card picked up for dissent while playing for Alfreton against Boston United on September 13.

Edmundson had been in line for a recall from his loan spell in the Vanarama National League North, with defender Brian Wilson struggling with a slight groin strain and skipper Peter Clarke a booking away from a one-game ban.

Thankfully for Athletic's manager Stephen Robinson, the cut-off point has passed for Clarke thanks to the postponement of the Peterborough game, which has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 24 (7.45pm kick-off).

IMPOSED

But Edmundson's hefty suspension imposed by the FA means that a player linked with a six-figure moved to Sunderland will not be available again until at least January 2.

With his three-month loan cut short - it was due to run out in mid-December - Edmundson is left kicking his heels on the training ground and that is a source of frustration for his manager.

Kallum Mantack remains on loan at Alfreton until January 15.

"The ban speaks for itself and George will be missing now until the New Year, as it is a six-game suspension concerning Alfreton's fixtures," Robinson said.

"It is disappointing for us and also for George. It is a big learning curve for him and what I will say is that it is very, very out of character for the boy.

"He has been punished accordingly.

"George has been looked after very well at Alfreton and we thank the club and the manager Nicky Law for that, as has Kallum Mantack.

"It is really disappointing that George won't get more game-time. With Brian out on Saturday and Peter Clarke having four bookings there was the chance of him being recalled to play, but that won't happen now."

As well as Clarke, Ryan Flynn, Ollie Banks and Ousmane Fane are all sitting on four bookings. The postponement of the Peterborough game means the quartet are free from suspension worries, with the amnesty being reached today.

"It is probably the only positive to come out of it and it was a similar story for Peterborough as well," Robinson said of last weekend's call-off.

"We have been left bitterly disappointed that we didn't play, but it is something you can't control and these things happen."

Athletic's next game is the FA Cup second-round tie at Lincoln City on Monday night (7.45pm kick-off).

The Imps were in action last night, watched by Athletic assistant manager Ian Baraclough, and saw off Wrexham 1-0 to move to the top of the Vanarama National League.

Elliott Whitehouse got the winner after 14 minutes, with City picking up three points despite playing for more than an hour with 10 men after the dismissal of Sean Raggett.

Robinson was not at the game, instead present at a fan's forum at the club alongside Clarke and chief executive Mark Moisley.