AS the turn of the year approaches the picture which is set to unfold as we approach May-time is coming into focus for most of our local clubs.

Whether it is to be a chase for promotion or cup silverware, relegation scrap or mid-table security is already determined for the majority. There will be mixed emotions however at Radcliffe Boro.

The Stainton Park lads go into the Christmas period heading the Unibond Division One table but with worries over manager Kevin Glendon far outweighing thoughts of a return to the Premier flight.

Glendo started feeling ill during the 3-1 home win over Leek Town a fortnight ago. Club chairman Bernard Manning Junior explains: "Kevin had said to us all he felt off colour early in the afternoon but he soldiered on. During the game he took his big coat off which amazed us because it was freezing and raining but he said he felt really warm.

"After the game he was driving home with his young son and apparently he started to feel much worse with pains in his arms. As he was going over Barton Bridge he decided to pull off the motorway and go to his mother's who lives around that area. When he got there she wasn't in but fortunately one of our ex-players Levi Edwards lives next door so he went there.

"Straight away Levi and his wife realised Kevin was in a bad way and they got on ambulance. He was taken straight to Wythenshawe Hospital. The initial diagnosis was angina but apparently there may be other possibilities. Mike Farrelly will step up from assistant to take over first team affairs until Kevin is fit and well. That is obviously the top priority for us all. Fortunately we have enough set-up at the club nowadays to cover for his other roles and we need to ensure he gets a complete break until he is restored to full health no matter how long it takes."

The popular and highly respected Boro manager is still undergoing medical tests to determine the precise nature of the problem but surprised everyone on Wednesday night when he turned up at the away Unibond League Cup group stage game at Accrington Stanley.

There purely in a spectator capacity he saw his side beaten 3-1 by the Premier Division outfit after taking a one

goal lead early in the second half.

Although Accrington went on to win the game there was some consolation for Glendo in that the home side's goals came from two of his old boys, Paul Mullin the first and Simon Carden the next two. Progress in the League Cup after just one win in four games now seems highly unlikely which could be no bad thing given Boro's league position. Promotion is the priority and being out of the cups will stop any distractions. Boro went into today two points clear at the top but second placed Harrogate have three games in hand.