By Mark Sugar
March 17 2004

Steve Coppell will be missing the services of club skipper Adie Williams on Saturday after the Wales defender underwent knee surgery on Monday. Another injury worry is reliable left back Nicky Shorey who has a foot infection and is now in hospital recovering on a drip.

Just when the Royals break into the Playoff places the news that Adie Williams has undergone knee surgery and Nicky Shorey is in hospital is not the best after a fantastic 3-2 victory over M4 rivals Cardiff City. Add their names to the list that already has midfielder Kevin Watson, striker Nicky Forster, American goalie Marcus Hahnemann and defender Steve Brown who still isn't properly fit despite lasting the full 90 minutes against Cardiff City.

The injury to Shorey really seems the most worrying. Shorey is the only natural left back at the club and is a brilliant prospect for the future. A £25,000 signing from Leyton Orient, Shorey has proved to be a very good shrewd signing. The Cardiff game last night was the 2nd game he has missed all season. But Ricky Newman once again proved last night what a good job he can do at left back. Newman is known as Mr Versatile within the squad with his ability to play in many positions and is surely worth another new contract at the end of the season.

The news that Adie Williams is injured is no surprise to us Royals fans, as Adie always gets injured for lengthy spells throughout any season. Its been a stop-start season for the Royals skipper. But manager Steve Coppell has the reliable Ivar Ingimarrson to rely on and hopefully Coppell can seal the deal for Crystal Palace central defender Darren Powell who is still not fit as he is suffering from a hamstring injury.

Shorey has been a transfer target for clubs such as Southampton and West Ham in the past. Shorey's dad is a scout for Alan Pardew's West Ham.

Club Physio Jon Fearn believes Shorey could be fit for Saturday's clash with FA Cup semi finalists Sunderland while Williams will be out for a month. He will miss Wales International friendly against Hungary on Wednesday, 31st March 2004.

We wish Nicky and Adie a quick return to the Royals squad.

More RFC News

The club are looking at the possibility of signing Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Kelvin Jack on a permanent deal until the end of the season. Jack has been training with the Royals for the last week.

Tickets sales are good ahead of the weekend clash with Sunderland at the Madejski Stadium. A crowd of at least 15,000 is expected. Hopefully Sunderland will bring in the region of 2,000 to the Madejski Stadium.

All tickets on the Young Royals coach to Coventry City on the 27th March are now SOLD OUT. Tickets went on sale to STAR members today and go on general sale tomorrow.