Jenkins set for lengthy absence

The Mikes will be without goalkeeper Adam Jenkins for a number of months.

The popular keeper suffered a double ankle fracture early in the Birmingham Senior Cup success over Walsall. In an innocuous incident only 8 minutes into the game, Jenkins was shepherding a shot around the post when he fell awkwardly under no challenge.

After being stretchered off and taken to Good Hope hospital, x-rays revealed two fractures to his ankle. Surgeons decided not to operate and have put Adam in a plaster cast to his knee. He will keep the cast on for two weeks, after which he will be x-rayed again to see if surgery is required. If not, he is expected to keep a cast on for a further four weeks, but this will be extended to at least 6 weeks if surgery is necessary.

Goalkeeping Coach Rob Clarke did not see the incident as he was taking the reserves training session, but has been in regular contact with the big stopper: “When I got back to watch the second half, everybody said it was innocuous but looked a bad one. Jenko is absolutely gutted. He got back into the team after his holiday and was in decent form. He’s getting frustrated already so it’s going to be a long couple of months. He cares passionately about both the club and his own game. I really feel for him”.

Everyone at the Mikes extends their best wishes to Adam for a full and speedy recovery. We hope to see him at a game very soon.

The Mikes are grateful to physio Jo Andersen who accompanied Adam to hospital and stayed until his family arrived. Being based at Good Hope, she popped into the ward to check on his welfare the following day. The club would also like to thank the Walsall FC medical staff for their assistance at the time of the injury, and covering the rest of the game in Jo’s absence.

Sean Butler came on as substitute and turned in an excellent performance, building on the good form he showed during his recent spell in the first team. Clarke commented: “Sean is a very good young keeper. He played really well when Jenko was away and was very unlucky to lose the shirt. He should take confidence from the fact that he gave Rob Mallaband such a difficult decision. He also gained valuable experience during pre season and his recent appearances. As is always the case with injuries, someone else gets the opportunity to capitalise on someone else's misfortune. It’s a big opportunity for Sean and I’m sure he’ll do very well”.