JOEL AVERY is playing it cool. Sylvans’ new boss knows a thing or two about lifting the Priaulx League trophy - after all, he did it eight times - and despite a serene introduction into the St Peter’s hot-seat, the former captain is predicting the title will stay at Blanche Pierre Lane. But is he just being canny?
For the moment, at least, peace and tranquillity have broken out at Sylvans after the gloom of two fairly miserable seasons and the loss of player-coach Trim Morgan this summer.
Sylvans’ two famous brothers, John and Paul Nobes, are back and raring to go, the players have put down the cards and the westerners are shaping up very nicely for the new campaign.
Avery’s own brand of management is so far working a treat.
‘Everyone is pulling their weight and so far, so good,’ he said.
‘The older ones want to win again before they finish and the attitude and commitment at the moment, well you can’t beat them.’
New players have arrived and only one significant one - Morgan - has departed.
Island striker Ryan Tippett is also departing on his travels next month, but with Neil Clegg back and Matt Le Cras and Carl Wallbridge returning to the club, not to mention the return of the mercurial Paul Nobes, the red-and-whites are well-off for front men.
Matt Drillot and Scott Gallienne have also arrived from Rovers and Rangers respectively to add depth to a squad which at times last season looked decidedly threadbare.
The number training is up, indeed well up from the one (Wallbridge) who attended Morgan’s only session before he quit the club and went back to the Corbet Field.
Ian Potter has been helping Avery with the fitness work and Vazon’s soft sands have been pounded in the past few weeks.
‘Morale is good and the number training have been very good,’ reported the boss.
Crucially, the Nobes brothers are fit and healthy.
‘They are doing very well,’ said Avery. ‘They have attended virtually every session and are looking fit.
‘They are both very good players. John is a big-game player. Paul can change matches on his own. Hopefully, the injuries will stay away.’
Avery said he would pick teams to win matches and was prepared to tinker.
‘I’m not going to be ‘Ranieri the tinker-man’, but I’m going to play the side to beat the team we are playing against.’
Martin Gauvain’s retirement gives him one less body to fit into the first team, but proven players abound and it would be foolish to discount them from reviving the club’s fortunes.
‘We are good enough to win it,’ says Avery, adding: ‘but my aim is to get into the top three.
‘When Sylvans are going, they don’t need coaching.’
Article posted on 13th August, 2004 - 12.00am
Loading ...
Most Commented: