NEWPORT County AFC have been hit by a double injury blow and the jailing of striker Chris Zebroski ahead of tomorrow's must-win match against Dagenham & Redbridge.
Zebroski was sentenced to four years and four months at Swindon Crown Court this afternoon after pleading guilty to two offences.
The 28-year-old admitted attempted robbery and assault with attempt to rob on February 8 this year and robbery and assault on December 14 last year.
The club have terminated the player's contract and released the following statment: "Newport County have noted the prison sentence handed down to striker Chris Zebroski today.
"The club have always had the welfare and wellbeing of Chris at heart and have worked hard with Chris and the PFA throughout.
"However, we would like to make it clear that we do not condone any of the actions for which Zebroski has been found guilty.
"Regrettably, the club are left with no other option than to terminate Chris' contract.
"Newport County will not be making any further comment on the situation."
And there was more bad news as Exiles boss Jimmy Dack confirmed that Ismail Yakubu and Max Porter will not play again this season.
Both players were injured during Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat at Southend United, which left County three points off the play-off positions with just three games remaining.
Centre-back Yakubu suffered a torn hamstring and midfielder Porter is out with a toe injury.
"Ismail Yakubu will be out for the rest of the season and it looks like Max Porter is going to be out for the rest of the season," said Dack.
"Ismail has got a grade two tear in his hamstring, which will rule him out for four to six weeks and Max has had a scan on his toe. He’s got some deep swelling on his foot.
"We’re not a big squad so we’ve got to pull together and try to draw strength from it and work harder together.
"If we have to put a square peg in a round hole then we’ll do what we have to do."
But the good news for Dack is that midfielders Yan Klukowski, Lee Minshull and Mike Flynn are all fit to return to the squad and Andy Sandell and Ryan Jackson have recovered from knocks they took in midweek.
"We’re very light but we should have Yan Klukowski, Lee Minshull and Michael Flynn back and in contention so that is a big plus," said Dack, who also indicated that David Tutonda could play a part tomorrow.
"David did well at Southend and we’re pleased for him," he added. "He’s a good lad. He comes in and he’s always smiling and he trains hard. He’s given me an option for Saturday, definitely."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel