Warriors sign Gibbon

Whitley Warriors coach Garry Dowd was hoping to have former Billingham forward Stuart Gibbon in his side when they English National League champions travelled to Coventry at lunchtime today and then for the home game with Solihull Barons tomorrow, but all will depend on whether his registration has been completed in time.

“Stu has been training with us since the turn of the year,” said Dowd, “and his arrival will add some depth to our squad, especially at a time when he have so many players out injured.

“I’m certainly surprised the Stars were prepared to let him go,” he added, “but we are delighted to have him at Whitley and look forward to him bringing all his experience to our bench.”

And Gibbon may not be the only ‘new’ face on the ice for Whitley this weekend, with Dowd looking to play himself to add some depth to the defence.

“I quite excited about the prospect of playing again,” he admitted, “but itreally is a case of needs must, as he have experienced the kind of injury run every coach dreads.”

However, despite all those injury problems, the champions still sit second in the table and Dowd is very pleased with what his side have achieved so far this season.

“After losing so many players in the summer, I’m sure there were plenty prepared to right us off,” he said, “but the whole squad has responded magnificently and I think we can all proud of what we have managed so far.

“But there is still a long way to go and its imperative we pick up points this weekend after a disappointing defeat away to Trafford Metros last Sunday.”

The coach is hopeful that Dean Holland will be fit to return after missingthat game with a groin strain, while youngsters Harry Harley and Christian Johnson will be back in action after being on Under 18 duty.

“Even without Stu or myself we are set to have a bigger bench,” he said, “and we are looking to bring home the points against a very up-and-down Coventry outfit.

“They certainly haven’t shown the form this time round that took them to the play-off final last season, but they can still be a handful on their day and we must be prepared for whichever Blaze side turns up.”

Solihull Barons make their first competitive visit to Hillheads in 15 years tomorrow night and after sweeping all before them in Division Two last season, they have certainly found points harder to come since promotion.

“They struggled a bit at first, but their form has been much better of late,” warned the Warriors coach, “and I’m sure they will want to come to Whitley and show what they can do against the champions.

“Again we have to make sure we are up for the challenge and with the right attitude from the whole side there is no reason why we can’t take four points from the weekend to maintain our quest for a play-off slot at the very least.”

Tickets for the game tomorrow are available on the night, priced at Adults £7.50, Under 16’s & Concessions £5.50, while a Family Ticket is available for £22. The action gets underway at 5.00pm and doors open 30 minutes before face-off.