Mawene Faces Long Spell Out

Mawene is thought to have suffered medial ligament damage but the extent of the damage is not yet known. However, boss Simpson is adamant that Mawene who has rarely missed a game for North End through injury will definitely miss the opener against Sheffield Wednesday.

This means that for the first game of the season Simpson will be without three of the men who provided the backbone of the defensive record set by North End last season. With Mears and Davis being sold Mawene was given added responsibility to bring on the youngsters but it now appears that two out of the three young centre backs will start the season next week.