Robinson's Misery: Millwall ace Paul in injury setback

A BROKEN leg has wrecked Paul Robinson's Millwall hopes. The 21 year-old defender suffered the cruel injury blow in Friday's friendly at Colchester, which was abandoned after the incident.

Robinson was rushed to hospital in Ipswich and detained until yesterday afternoon. He is likely to be out of action for up to four months.

Millwall were leading 2-1 through Kevin Bremner and Steve Lovell when the clash occurred midway through the second half. Robinson broke the leg in a tackle with Roger Osborne, Colchester's former Ipswich star, who was unhurt.

Colchester chief Cyril Lea said, "It was obvious that the injury was serious, and after seeing it nobody wanted to carry on with the game." The news is an early setback for, Millwall chief George Graham, who saw his side rocked by injuries last season. 

But he has several players able to fill Robinson's left-sided berth, including promising teenager Nicky Coleman, who could earn an immediate promotion to the Lions line-up.

Meanwhile Graham is continuing his bid to sign a striker before the start of the League campaign on August 25.
Paul Robinson: Out of action for four months

 
England Star at the Den

MILLWALL look like starting the season as they finished the last one, by injuries and suspensions.

The latest injury victim was Paul Robinson. Paul was rushed to hospital after being at involved in a collision in the friendly at Colchester last week and it was found he had a broken leg, which will keep him out for at least six months.

This set back could let in teenager Nicky Coleman. Manager George Graham is finding that nothing - except injuries - comes easy at the Den. He won’t risk Welsh international Steve Lowndes in first team matches. Steve has to be eased back into the side after a long lay-off. 

Micky Nutton, who is injured too, may not play against Aston Villa, on Saturday, but should be fit for the away match at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

To add to Graham’s worries, new signing Les Briley, from Aldershot and Anton Otulakowski, are suspended for two matches at the beginning of the season. 

Graham will start the friendly at the Den, against Villa, with recent signings, Lindsay Smith, Briley and Tony Kinsella and give all fit players an outing, including both keepers.

Graham Turner, Villa’s new manager, is putting out his strongest with Gordon Cowans, his midfield player, using the match as his come back game in an effort to regain his England place. Cowans lost his place due to injury. The match kicks off at 3pm and prices are £3, £2 and £1 for youngsters. 

On Tuesday the Lions travel to Wimbledon, who were promoted last season.

George is still hoping to sign a striker in time for the kick off of the season on August 25. The other friendlies at the Den are v Charlton, August 11, and Luton August 17 (7.30pm Kick off)

 
Roffey Faces Villa

MILLWALL have signed defender Bill Roffey in time for tomorrow's glamour friendly with Aston Villa. Lions manager George Graham has stalked Roffey for, months and yesterday wrapped up the deal with Orient. 

The 30-year-old free transfer becomes Graham's fourth midsummer signing and will join new arrivals Lindsay Smith, Tony Kinsella and Les Briley-in the Den showpiece with Villa.

The First Division side have named a full strength squad and the game should mark a return for Villa's Gordon Cowans, who was out all last season after breaking his leg a year ago.

Graham said, "It should be a great game for the fans and it's a wonderful opportunity for us to test ourselves against a side of real quality.

Meanwhile Graham has yet to name a captain in succession to Dean White, who left the Lions on a free transfer at the end of last season. Prices for the Villa match are £2 terraces, children and OAPs £l, with seats at £3.

Millwall travel to Plough Lane to take on Wimbledon on Tuesday. They are at home to Charlton on August 11 and face First Division Luton at The Den on August 17.

 

 

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