Wednesday 17 August 2011 18:40, UK
Huddersfield goalkeeper Alex Smithies is embarking on a six-week rest period before he can start his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
The goalkeeper went under the knife on Monday in a bid to solve his troublesome injury and now starts the lengthy road back to full fitness. Manager Lee Clark told the club's official website: "Alex has had his operation and has undergone some slight repair to his cartilage and also received a clear out of some of the debris which was in his knee. "It is not a short-term solution but we have found the problem and identified it and, as I have said previously, he is only 21 and has another 20 years in the game. For the sake of anywhere between 10 to 12 weeks we will not be rushing him back into action, it is more important that he comes back ready and fully fit." Elsewhere, Huddersfield are reported to have been given the go-ahead by Kirklees Council to regain their original 40% share in the Galpharm Stadium following a council cabinet meeting on Tuesday night. Town have released a statement on Wednesday afternoon revealing they are yet to receive official confirmation but it is understood the transfer of shares from Huddersfield Sporting Pride, who are owned by former chairman Ken Davy, has been agreed.