Exclusive - Thom out for season

Last updated : 22 February 2002 By Luke Thornhill
After numerous scans on his calf failed to explain the problem Thom, has seen a specialist in Leicester who says he needed surgery.

The specialist spotted torn microfibres in his leg, which have caused his constant breakdowns in training.

"It has been frustrating for Stuart and the club because we didn't know what was causing him the pain," Brian Laws told us.

"So it's now a relief to know what the problem is but it means he will have to have an operation and will be out for around six weeks - which is effectively the end of his season."