Rufus - Slowly But Surely

Rufus Brevett is moving on with his rehabilitation, though it is too early to set a definite date for a comeback.

"I am coming along well and I had the plaster off three weeks ago so it has just been about getting the movement and strength back in the ankle," he says.

"I am just concentrating on getting fit but I can't set a time yet."

Rufus has yet to play under Alan Pardew of course, and is looking forward to doing just that.

"Obviously he has his own ideas; he has done really well at Reading and hopefully he can bring that here and turn things round to get us where we want to be," he adds.

"I have played against Alan although I didn't know him very well - I might have tackled him, though!"

Rufus is quick, though, to praise Trevor Brooking's contribution to the season and he explains:

"Trevor was magnificent and I don't think you can ask for any more than what he did.

"I am sure the lads are going to miss him but we have moved on now.

"Mr. Pardew has come in with some good ideas and you get people who might have thought they weren't in the picture who are going to be in it - and it gives everyone a new lease of life.

"We obviously have to start winning the home games, though."