NEWCASTLE Eagles skipper Andrew Bridge has revealed self-regulation has been the key to keeping the club on track during Fab Flournoy’s extended absence.

Flournoy has been absent for nearly a month since being struck down by bacterial pneumonia and, on doctor’s orders, he will again be missing for this weekend’s game.

Caretaker coach Dave Forrester has stepped into his shoes superbly during matches, but his work commitments mean the Eagles have had to shift around their training programme, with senior players like Bridge stepping up to help keep the show on the road.

For many clubs the absence of a key man like Flournoy would be a major disruption, but Bridge is adamant that the Eagles will survive and prosper in the New Yorker’s absence – starting this weekend with the visit of Plymouth Raiders on Sunday.

“It has been different for us and, of course, it is not ideal. I think this is the first extended period I can ever remember where Fab has been absent,” Bridge said.

“Dave has done a great job of stepping in. He’s not trying to be Fab – he’s doing things his own way and he’s got us through what has been a very tough period.

“Of course we weren’t happy with those two defeats last time, but I think that for the most part we managed to get through it and now we can look forward.

“Things have been different, though. We are training on evenings now so that Dave can fit it in and at 4.30pm on some days so Dave can be there.

“During the cardio sessions in the morning there has been as many running drills as we used to do under Fab. Everyone knows those drills so there is no excuse – and we are self-regulating.

“Myself, Charles Smith and Trey Moore have done a few little things as well to help us along. If anyone is dropping off they are told.

“Paul Blake has been a bit more involved too. He hasn’t necessarily been at training, but there have been meetings to make sure we’re still on the right track.”

The Eagles will face Plymouth on Sunday in a game they need to win to maintain their momentum in a five-way tussle for the title.

“By this time of the season there are usually only two teams in with a realistic shout but this year it is slightly different and, to be honest, probably better,” he said.

“Teams will drop points I think. There will be more losses but the standard across the board is probably better.”