SKIPPER, Stephen Hughes is forced to sit out Saturday's first game of 2009 at Peterborough as he recovers from a groin problem.

The former Arsenal youngster, who arrived at the Banks's Stadium during the summer, was sad to see Jimmy Mullen leave, but has been in this situation before. "I have seen managers come and go in the past," he said. "All you can do is keep working hard and giving your all regardless of who is in charge.

"I enjoyed working with Jimmy, but it's a clean slate for everyone and a chance to stake our claims to the new manager, whoever that may be.

"It's fair to say that it's been a mixed season so far, but there is everything still to play for in the second half of the campaign. We have some good senior pros here alongside some talented youngsters who are starting to emerge.

"I am itching to get back into action as soon as possible. The Peterborough game is too soon for me, but we are under no illusions about how difficult it is going to be at the weekend.

"They have some talented players in their side, but so do we and we are hoping to start the year on a positive note."

Hughes is joined on the sidelines by Stephen Roberts, who is still struggling with a knee injury, and Paul Boertien who has suffered a recurrence of a hamstring problem. Meanwhile Michael Ricketts is suspended having seen our previous two games fall victim of the weather.