There's positive news to report on John Cotton, club representative on the League Management Committee, who underwent major surgery a couple of weeks ago.

Cotto is recovering well and if his progress continues, he should be out of hospital this weekend.

Cotto said:  "The surgeons are happy with the way things are going, so that is the important thing, and now it's just a case of seeing how things go on from now.  I'd like to thank everyone who has taken interest in how I've been doing, and their thoughts have been much appreciated and have kept me going.  I'll reply to the many e-mails and letters and cards that I've had when I'm feeling a bit better.

"My operation was put back a week, which meant I was actually able to go down and watch Newcastle Town's first pre-season training session, and the target now is to be able to get down and watch their first game in the Evostik League on August 21st.  I'm not sure if I'll be up to it by that time, but I'll certainly do my best to get there".