Midfielder Owen Garvan has returned home to Dublin to settle some “personal problems”. Rumours regarding the 19-year-old began circulating earlier in the week, but the club have sought allay fans' fears and say they expect Garvan to be back on Monday week.

The entire squad have nine days off after today, but Garvan, who wasn't involved in Monday's behind-closed-doors friendly with Woodbridge Town, was allowed to leave for Dublin two days earlier than the rest of the players to resolve his issues, which are not understood to be health or injury related.

A club spokesperson said: “Owen has some personal problems and manager Jim Magilton allowed him to return to Ireland.

“His absence from the club is not a fitness issue and he is expected back when the rest of the squad return after a nine-day break.”

The Town squad are due back a week on Monday when they will travel to Loughborough University to continue their pre-season preparations. While at Loughborough, the Blues will play friendlies at Burton Albion (July 10th) and Kettering Town (July 12th).

Further details of Town's pre-season games can be found here.

Meanwhile, former Town loanee Mark Stein has been named the new physio at League Two side Barnet.

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