ASTLEY and Tyldesley have terminated their contract with West Indian professional Andrew Richardson on medical grounds.

The West Indian paceman has struggled with a back problem for several weeks and has not played over the last three weekends.

He has been having regular treatment from an osteopath, and last week travelled to the North East to be examined by the Durham CC physio.

The problem was diagnosed as lower back muscle strain, which would only be eased by Richardson taking a complete rest from cricket.

The player discussed the issue with A & T officials and it was mutually decided to terminate his contract.

Captain Simon Nicklin said: "It was disappointing for all of us that it ended in this way, but the player's health and fitness are obviously paramount.

"If he stayed he could not have played for us because of the injury, so it was felt that he should return home in an effort to clear up the problem."

The next decision for the club is a replacement, but the captain said they would not rush into making an appointment.

They are able to continue with Gyan Pandey, who has been their sub-pro in Richardson's absence, but he is Todmorden's professional in the Lancashire League, which rules him out of Sunday games in the Association.

"For the moment, we'll just have to wait and see how it goes," said Nicklin.

"Signing a professional halfway through the season is obviously difficult, because the standard of player we would be interested in, is probably fixed up with another club by now."