Purdie back in business

ROB PURDIE is looking forward to putting his injury "nightmare" behind him when pre-season training begins next week.

The 27-year-old missed all of last season with a pelvic and groin problem after arriving on a two-year deal from Darlington.

He suffered plenty of setbacks as he tried to battle past his injury but finally appears set to get on the field for Athletic in the near future — possibly as soon as in the team’s newly-arranged first pre-season match, which takes place at FA Trophy holders Barrow on Saturday, July 10 (3pm).

"When you have hardly missed a match through injury it is very difficult to come to terms with not playing for a year," said Purdie, who worked hard on his fitness even while embarking on a month-long holiday to Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Vancouver.

Pre-season training starts a week today and the Barrow friendly away will give new boss Paul Dickov an early chance to have a look at the players at his disposal.