Warriors boost defensive options with Matthews signing
Whitley Warriors are pleased to announce that defenceman Paul Matthews has agreed to re-sign for the club as Warriors Coach Simon Leach looks to increase his options on the blue line. Matthews who is now 40 will bring a wealth of experience to the Whitley roster as he played for Warriors throughout the nineties and into the noughties appearing in the British National League, ENL and Heineken Leagues for the club.
Paul (who is the son of former Warriors and Great Britain Coach Terry Matthews) has always remained part of the hockey scene on North Tyneside since retiring as he is involved in the coaching the Whitley junior teams and also recently took part in the Warriors Legends Night at 42nd Street just after Christmas.
Warriors Coach Simon Leach spoke about Warriors latest signing.
“After last weekend with Josh Maddock picking up an injury and other players playing with knocks etc we are down to the bare bones in defence so we were looking to strengthen our squad.
“Paul’s been training with us of late and he will bring a great deal of knowhow and experience to the group it may be a while since he’s played competitively but he’s keen to get back out onto the ice and help the team out.
“With the league being so competitive this season it’s going to be a battle to qualify for the end of season play offs and we are trying to assemble the biggest squad possible as that will help us between now and the end of the season. Paul’s fitted in well and his presence could well help us through the remaining games this campaign.”
Paul also gave his thoughts on his return to competitive action.
“I’ve kept involved with things close to the game as I coach the Conference under 17’s and my daughter is a figure skater so I’m often at the rink.
“I recently got together with Simon Leach and David Longstaff and they asked if I’d thought about playing again as I was in good shape and really we just took it from there.
“I have a wealth of knowledge and hope to help the younger players with a number of aspects of the game including positional play. Whatever I can bring to the team I feel will be a bonus and I hope I can help Warriors qualify for the play offs.”
Warriors supporters should have the opportunity to see the clubs new signing in action this coming weekend when Whitley take on fellow play off hopefuls the Sheffield Spartans on Sunday evening (face off 5pm) at Hillheads. Whitley and Sheffield are both currently just 2 points off a play off spot so this Sunday’s match up is a crucial game for both sides.