Sutton United have been rocked this week by injuries to goalkeeper Andy Pape and defender Mike Hollands, both of whom have been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Pape has suffered a re-occurrence of a shoulder injury, while Hollands broke his leg in the Surrey Senior Cup tie at Walton & Hersham.

Pape, 40, who admitted he has been playing through the pain barrier for most of the season, said he knew the problem was more serious this time.

"My shoulder has never been 100 per cent and I've been experiencing some discomfort, but it has always been manageable," he said.

"During the match against Havant & Waterlooville, I felt in a lot of pain, but thought it would go away. Unfortunately, it didn't.

"I was hoping to get through to the end of the season, but I should be having surgery soon and will have to see how I recover from that."

Meanwhile, the ex-Aldershot and Harrow Borough keeper can reflect on a glittering career that has bought him an FA Trophy winners medal and three Isthmian League titles.

"I have no regrets about my career," he said. "If I was 21 and starting out it would be different, but I'm quite philosophical about the situation.

"It's shame it has happened now because we have been doing really well and were capable of mounting a promotion challenge."

Tribute

United manager John Rains led the tributes to his first choice goalkeeper and knows Pape's experience on the pitch will be missed.

"It's a massive blow for us and him," said Rains. "But he's had a fantastic career and won plenty of honours, so he can look back on his playing days with great pride.

"I'll be ringing up Tommy Dunn (who was on loan at Banstead Athletic) now and expect him to be back with us shortly."

Pape intends to busy himself with his work as an auditor for the Inland Revenue, but won't be hanging up his gloves just yet.

"I am thinking about doing my UEFA coaching badge," he said,

"Management and coaching have always interested me. Being involved with the tactics of a game is fascinating.

"My attitude about playing again is never say never. If the shoulder heals properly, I'm sure there's a county side or a veterans team I could play for."

Sutton entertain high-flying Purfleet at Gander Green Lane tomorrow.

January 31, 2003 12:00