JAMIE Fry has been ruled out of football for two months after undergoing an operation to repair damaged tendons in his right hand.

Gloveman Fry had originally sustained the injury at work more than a month ago but aggravated it last week and went under the surgeon’s knife on Saturday.

The news comes as a hammer blow to Bridport boss Trevor Senior, whose troops launch their Toolstation Western League Division One campaign at home to Bradford Town in just 24 days’ time.

Senior is now focused on establishing a new number one but replacing plumber Fry, who performed heroically at the backend of the season, will be no easy task.

Speaking of his ordeal, Fry said: “Trevor and I have talked about it and agreed that getting back to work first was the priority and that football would have to wait.

“I think it’s healing well but I have got six weeks off work and won’t be playing football again for a couple of weeks after that. My arm is still in a cast and a sling but I’m hoping that will come off soon.

“It’s a kick in the teeth because pre-season had been going well and I was feeling fit and looking forward to the new season.

“But the original injury was my fault so I can’t have too many complaints. And perhaps I tried to do too much too soon when I went back to work after a couple of weeks off.”

Senior said: “This is a big setback for Jamie because I know he was really looking forward to getting back into it. He has been a revelation for us.”

Bridport kick off their first pre-season friendly of the summer, away to Dorset Premier League outfit Westland Sports, tomorrow evening (6.45pm).

New recruit Ryan Dovell, who trained with his new team-mates last week, is expected to figure although skipper Darren Lock and playmaker Dan Wise are both unavailable.

Four days later, the Bees welcome former manager Ian Hutchinson’s Weymouth to St Mary’s Field (7.45pm) for a prestige and potentially money-spinning friendly.

One man that Senior is hoping will feature is diminutive midfielder Tom Coggins, who has been training with Portland United but whose services the Bridport chief is desperate to retain.

Senior added: “I know Tom has been looking elsewhere but I would definitely like him to stay at the club because he will be a key figure for us this season.

“He showed a great attitude last term in sticking it out with the reserves and I’d like him to be involved in the game against Westland Sports.

“I’m probably going to take a squad of 15 or 16 but at this stage results aren’t important, it’s more about getting mileage into the players’ legs and shaking off the cobwebs.”