Andre: I’m looking to the future

Nov 3 2007 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

AT 31, Andre Payette is nearer the end of his playing career than the start, but like many of his team-mates the left-winger intends to be a fixture at Newcastle Arena for years to come.

The Vipers’ up-and-coming youngsters have been very much to the fore in recent weeks, and the likes of Jez Lundin, Richie Thornton, Ben Campbell and Nathan Taylor will be expected to continue their recent good form in Sunday’s Challenge Cup tie at home to Edinburgh Capitals.

But while Payette may have hung up his skates by the time the youthful quartet reach their peak, he hopes to still be a part of the club he joined from Coventry Blaze in 2005.

The Canadian has his sights on following compatriots Rob Wilson and Paul Ferone into an off-ice role at the end of his career. The pair are now directors of the club they once played for.

“I’ve married a girl from here (Heidi) and I’m almost living in Newcastle full-time now,” said the Ontario-born player. “I ran a charity golf tournament recently and I do a lot on the sponsorship side.”

That Payette is already being groomed for a future position shows the long-term thinking at the Vipers, in contrast with some in the Elite League.

“I think with our core of me, David (Longstaff), Shuggy (Shaun Johnson) being back and all the players being involved we have a lot of stability,” he commented.

“The club is going to be here for a long time. Our group of youngsters is definitely right up there with anything else in the country.

“We as older guys try to do our bit to help them along and pass on our experience. David’s always the first one people turn to, being a British player, but every player on the team has a responsibility.” Having seen the youngsters make their debuts, Payette has been impressed by their progress and that of the side generally.

“I think the team’s really coming together nicely,” he said. “We’re tied for the first place in the Elite League and we’ve got a really important Challenge Cup game coming up on Sunday. It’s a massive game for us because we don’t want to go to Sheffield needing to win to qualify for the knock-out stages.”

Payette was part of the last Vipers side to win silverware – the 2006 Play-Offs – and despite his caution, he is excited about the current outfit.

“We’re more skilful but we’re a big physical team still. We do play the body but we’re an all-round team. We’re a different type of team now (compared to 2006), the balance is good but we haven’t won anything yet.”

:: ALL three of the North-East’s English National League sides are in action tomorrow.

Top-of-the-table Whitley Warriors entertain Manchester ENL Phoenix, while the second-placed ENL Vipers are at Bradford Buffaloes.

Billingham Bombers travel to Nottingham Lions. Billingham and Whitley meet today in the Northern League.

The team’s stepped up to the plate in recent weeks. That’s how you judge a good team