BRIDPORT boss Ian Hutchinson has described the loss of Simon Radcliffe for the remainder of the season as “a massive blow.”

Hutchinson revealed yesterday that the former Dorchester Town left-back has suffered a recurrence of a problematic groin strain.

And when consulting his doctor, Radcliffe was advised to rest for the foreseeable future so not to aggravate the condition which, it has been suggested, could become career-threatening.

This is a massive bombshell for Hutchinson, who had charted the experienced defender’s career closely before capturing his signature in August.

Radcliffe endured a three-month spell on the treatment table earlier in the campaign and there are fears he may need to undergo surgery should he not recover fully this time.

From once being blessed with an embarrassment of riches in defence, Bridport are now engulfed by a crippling injury crisis.

Long-term absentee Chris Herbst is nursing a dislocated knee and is joined on the sick list by Chris Senior and Paul Fellows, while Ryan Hayter’s unavailability leaves skipper Darren Lock and Chris Clarke as the only recognised defenders.

As a result, Hutchinson has fast-tracked natural left-footer Ben Ward into the squad for tomorrow’s Toolstation Western League Division One clash at Keynsham Town (3pm), where he is expected to feature.

When asked about the magnitude of Radcliffe’s absence, Hutchinson said: “It’s a massive blow for us, his experience is invaluable and you can see the boys get lifted when they know he’s playing.

Bees: (from): Cuff, Ward, Condliffe, Lock, C Clarke, Bulman, Wise, Mason, Legg, Evans, A Clarke, B Clarke, Coggins