TROUBLED Scarborough have been dealt a severe injury blow just ten days before the start of the new Nationwide Conference season.

The Seasiders face being without star striker Chris Tate for up to four months after it was revealed the former York City junior has a cyst on a knee ligament.

The problem cannot be rectified by key-hole surgery due to the location of the cyst at the back of knee.

The injury first arose at the end of last season but it was hoped a summer of rest would solve it.

However, it flared up at the start of pre-season and now Tate faces a lengthy time on the sidelines.

He said: "Obviously I am disappointed. I am a bad spectator and I was looking forward to getting amongst the goals again.

"I will just have to sit it out but it is a shame I cannot help the club when they need it most."

Scarborough's financial problems are expected to be the subject of a press conference called for tomorrow afternoon at the at the McCain Stadium.

The conference was called after owner Brooks Mileson held talks with chairman John Russell earlier this week. It is expected to outline a strategy for getting the club's finances back on track

The club has been blighted by the imposition of a transfer embargo since April over unpaid money to former players and it has also been reported Boro are losing more than £1,000 a day.