FROME Town have been rocked by the news that influential captain Jon Crowley will be kept out for the rest of the Toolstation League Premier Division campaign by a broken leg.

It was thought the 26-year-old defender would make his comeback imminently as the supporting pin in his leg would not prevent him from playing matches, and he has recently built up his fitness.

But Crowley was told by a specialist last week that while he can train with the injury, he is not allowed to return to first team action until pre-season.

The skipper is due to have the supporting pin in his leg removed in June.

Crowley, who has made 188 appearances for The Robins, broke his leg in the early stages of November’s 3-1 Somerset Premier Cup win against Bath City.

His manager Andy Crabtree revealed the defender is “absolutely gutted” at this latest setback.

“He’s your captain and he’s a quality player,” added Crabtree, who must also cope without midfielder Joe Gomes for another six weeks.

Gomes has been struggling with an ankle problem since November, and he will be out until mid-March with ruptured ligaments, after he suffered a reaction in training.

Frome are away to Barnstaple today.