TOWN’s players will be forced to wear shinpads during practice matches this season.
Manager Andy Ritchie will insist on the move following Robbie Williams’ transfer-ending injury.
Ritchie was unaware Williams was training with Barnsley after agreeing a three-year contract (subject to a medical) with Town, and it has emerged the 22-year-old was not wearing shinpads when suffering a hairline fracture of a shin in a clash with Paul Heckingbottom.
“Whenever we have physical-contact practice I’m going to make sure the lads were shinpads,” said Ritchie today.
“Robbie wasn’t wearing them and he suffered this injury.
“It was thought at first it was nothing worse than a trapped nerve, but when he turned up for his medical he couldn’t bear weight on it.
“That’s why Lee Martin insisted on an immediate X-ray and the problem was revealed.
“It’s sad, but I think it’s wise for all our lads now to make sure they are protected with shinpads when we have games in training.
“There’s no problem in warm-ups and running, just in the games.”
