Return of talisman Jack Sampson is huge boost for the Magpies
The return of striker Jack Sampson to the Chorley ranks has provided a huge boost for boss Andy Preece and his players, writes Nazira Yusuf.
The 33-year-old came off the bench and scored in the 5-2 success over Darlington at Victory Park – it was his first appearance of the season.
Sampson spent a large part of last season on the sidelines, and suffered an injury in the first game of pre-season.
Preece admits that he may have to manage the veteran forward’s game-time this season in order to keep him fully fit for the season ahead.
He told the Lancashire Post: “Definitely with Sampo, again, we just have to be careful with him, not pushing too much.
"But he’s such an important player for us. You can see what difference he makes for us.
“He gives us a different option and it’s just really nice for him to get back on the pitch again and to score.
"Because, you know, he was devastated to get injured in the first game of pre-season in the first minute of pre-season.
"So, you know, that really affects you mentally. But shows his strength of characters to come back firing and everybody was buzzing to see him score that goal.”
Preece confirmed wideman Billy Whitehouse is a doubt ahead of this weekend’s trip to King’s Lynn Town in the National League North.
Preece added: “Billy had a cut in his foot, which needed stitches. He’s touch and go for the weekend.”
Long-term absentee Kole Hall remains sidelined, with the manager noting it is slow, but steady progress. while defender Scott Wilson is unlikely to be back before November at the earliest.
He added: “Scott Wilson is just time to wait for the healing process to go through. He’s probably seven, eight, nine weeks away.”
Meanwhile, George Horbury may come into contention after suffering from a hamstring problem.