By Martin Morgan

Last updated 15:44, Wednesday, 07 January 2009

WINGER Ade Adebisi has spoken of the off-season car accident that will help keep him out of Sunday’s re-arranged West Cumbrian derby at the Recreation Ground (3pm).

injured: Whitehaven’s Ade Adebisi in action against Leigh last season

He suffered an on-field knee injury last season, on his way to becoming Haven’s leading try-scorer for the campaign. And he then aggravated the problem in a car smash a couple of months ago.

“We were driving when a fox came out in front of the car,” he said. “We swerved, lost control and tumbled twice, smashing in to a tree.

“We finished upside down and the car was in a state. The police didn’t know how we survived. It has made my knee worse.”

He is now awaiting an operation, though Haven’s regular surgeon Oswestry-based Dai Rees is on holiday.

“It’s four weeks to the season starts and a three-week healing process after the operation, so if I get it done next week, it will be ready for the start of the season,” continued Adebisi, who is disappointed at missing the Town clash.

“I always want to play in the derby games because the fans get excited about them. Their energy feeds to you.

“I thought the operation would have been sorted by now. I’ll be upset to miss the Widnes game and really upset if I miss the Bradford game. That would test me a lot.”

Haven travel to Widnes on Sunday week and host the Bulls on February 1.

A scan has revealed a tear and coach Ged Stokes is keen to get it sorted as soon as possible.

“He’s going to be out until we get it looked at,” said the Kiwi. “He can still train, and run in straight lines, but we don’t want the knee swollen, as that would delay the surgery.”

A string of players are carrying minor knocks, including Craig Calvert, Kyle Amor and Taani Lavulavu, and Stokes won’t take any risks with players not fully ready to face Town.

“We need a game, and I’d say Workington will be the same,” he said. “There’s only so much you can do in training.”

The derby clash was twice postponed over the festive holidays due to a frozen pitch, though the forecast this weekend is for warmer weather. An inspection will be held on Friday.

West Cumbria Under-18s will feature in a curtain-raiser when they host Gillette National Youth League top-four rivals East Leeds at 12.45pm. The Yorkshire outfit are the only team to have beaten the Cumbrians in nine outings.

Meanwhile, former Haven director Dave Farrell is in talks with outgoing chairman Gordon Grace about taking over the club - in a move which would stave off the threat of administration.

Grace, the only remaining club director, is to step down at an extraordinary general meeting on Thursday next week, and if no one comes forward to take charge, the formal procedure is to place the club in to administration, even though there is no new financial problem.

Farrell is among a group of four, which also includes company secretary Chris McMellion, interested in taking over, to secure the club’s immediate future.

“The commitment has always been there on my part,” said Farrell. “I’m sure other people feel exactly the same. It’s a case of saying we are there and want to get involved. We’ll see where we go from there.

“There are people out there who could do the job required. I’m not saying it has to be me, or should be me. I’ve always been willing to work on behalf of the club. If that’s as a director, fine, if not, that’s fine, also.”

Discounted tickets for the Widnes game go on sale from Monday. Season ticket holders will pay £10 (adults) and £5 (kids and concessions), with regular prices at £12 and £6. Matchday prices will be £14 and £7.

*A Simpson, of Bransty Road, won a £1,000 holiday voucher in the club’s special Christmas Pride of Five draw, while Mr Robertson, of Sandy Grove, Egremont, picked up a 42’’ plasma television.

Last week’s Pride of Five £100 winners were: D Cass, Shipwright’s Arms, with ticket number 1,733; J Doran, Bowthorn Stores, 631; Jenkinson’s Fruit Shop, Main Street, Egremont, 2,747; E Telford, Newlands Avenue, Whitehaven, 2,012; William Scott, Solway Road, Kells, 2,968.

200 Club winners

£500 - A Gill; £100 - The Stump syndicate; £50 each - D McCann, Phil & Geoff, D Farrish, J Stephenson, R Wilson, P Pilkington, D Byrne, R Wylie.

Second Edition

£500 - V Chappell; £100 - Adamson & Farrar; £50 each - D McCann, T Mossop, J Goodwin, T Messenger, R Beck, L Grundill, D Evens, B Goulding.

The club is recruiting new members for the 200 Club draw. Contact the Recre for details.