TRANMERE`S not so secret weapon, the Dave Challinor `missile`, has caught the attention of Football League officials for all the wrong reasons because they are to ban him from using towels to dry the ball in Sunday`s Worthington Cup Final against Leicester City.
In recent weeks, opposing teams have become so fearful of the defender`s throw-in`s that they have tried to hinder his delivery. In a league game against Barnsley, the Yorkshire side`s substitutes removed Challinor`s towels and warmed up in such a way as to hinder his run-up.
However, the Football League have deemed his use of a towel to dry the ball prior to `launch` as a breach of the rules. Accordingly they are to inform the games officials, including Wendy Toms, the first lady to officiate in a Wembley final, that Challinor (pictured) will not be allowed to have a towel on the sidelines.
The player is looking forward to the space Wembley will allow him, and he seems unworried by not having a towel. "Wembley`s a big pitch and i`ll be making maximum use of my throws.
"They have proved an effective weapon throughout the season."
It is debatable as to how much help the towel gives to 24-year-old, but it does show that opposing teams are certainly worried about the devastating effect it can have.
The Wirral club, however, have received a boost with the news that Gareth Roberts has not suffered a broken leg as was first feared, and manager John Aldridge is not ruling the youngster out of the final.
The 21-year-old was stretchered-off following a firm but fair tackle by Kieron Dyer in Tranmere`s 3-2 FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Newcastle on Sunday.
An x-ray, and scan, revealed severe bruising and soft tissue damage.
Alex Livie
