After missing almost the whole of last season after he damaged his cruciate ligaments FONCY was saddened to learn that second-year Academy scholar Josh Clarke has suffered the same fate as Zema Abbey in as much as he has sustained almost the exact same injury to his other knee and it seems that Josh will be sidelined for yet another season. You will recall that Josh joined The Academy at the start of last season and almost at once struck up an effective partnership with Danny Crow that saw the pair netting several early season goals. Unfortunately for Josh his injury curtailed what was turning out to be a storming start to his career at Norwich City. For the remainder of last season Josh's one aim was to fight his way back to full fitness, and under the expert guidance of Academy physio Henna Horth he did just that. Such was his progress it was even rumoured that he could make an appearance very late in the season or even in a friendly once the Academy fixtures had been completed.

Josh Clarke in action last season as Danny Crow looks on

As we know now that did not happen but never the less the progress made by Josh throughout the last year was quite remarkable and Academy Director Ricky Martin has no doubts that the fantastic support Josh had from Henna was instrumental in his recovery.

Ricky Martin

FONCY Chairman John Landamore caught up with Ricky last week to find out what the next few weeks and months hold for Josh. "Josh came back in at the start of the season along with the rest of the scholars" said Ricky. "The injury was sustained in training, there was no contact with another player, Josh just felt the left knee go while he was moving away. Having suffered the exact same injury last year Josh was sure what he had done. After seeing Henna, he saw a consultant later that day who arranged for an MRI scan and unfortunately for Josh his worst fears were confirmed." Not only had Josh damaged his cruciate ligaments, but to complicate matters there was also some damage to his medial ligament. Again Ricky takes up the story. "At the moment Josh is wearing a brace to protect his medial. Once the swelling has gone down, which is expected to be in early August some four weeks after the injury was sustained, Josh will undergo surgery and then his rehabilitation will commence."

"For any young player to have to deal with this type of injury is bad enough, but for Josh he now has to come to terms with it for the second time in less than twelve months" Ricky added.

John caught up with Josh and his parents at Colney and conveyed best wishes from FONCY, and we are sure you will all join us in wishing Josh a full and speedy recovery. A final word from Ricky. "Josh has received a great deal of support from his family and his colleagues and will continue to receive 100% support from the club and The Academy, in particular from Henna who's dedication and enthusiasm helped Josh so much last season." "David Williams met with Josh and his parents a few days ago confirming the clubs position that they are determined to fulfil his potential once Josh has recovered from his injuries." FONCY will be hoping to keep everyone up to date on the progress made by Josh in the weeks and months ahead.

Physio Henna Horth was instrumental in Josh's recovery last year and is again working closely with Josh