THE future of Dutch trialist Kevin Staffen has been thrown into doubt after he made an early return to Holland.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who had most recently been turning out for German non-league outfit FC Oeding, had been getting his first real taste of pre-season training in English football at Chippenham Town during the past fortnight.

Manager Tommy Saunders had intended to have a look at the teenager in one of the side's forthcoming pre-season friendlies, but he admitted he is now in the dark as to what is happening regarding the Dutchman.

"He was injured after five minutes in training on Monday," Saunders said. "When I called to see how he was his landlord said he had gone back to Holland to see his brother who was involved in a car accident.

"Obviously I was hoping to give him a run-out but I haven't been able to contact him and I don't know what's happening now."

Speaking at training last Thursday, Staffen, who had a trial with Nationwide Third Division club Hartlepool United last season, said he turned down the offer of a trial at Ford United to train with Chippenham.

He said: "It was a little bit more physical than I'm used to and there has not been as much work with the ball."

He added that he first came across Chippenham Town while surfing on the Internet. "I saw an advert on the net last season and decided to come over for a trial."