Wilson’s giving the youngsters a chance

Dec 7 2007 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

VIPERS coach Rob Wilson will not be rushed into replacing defenceman Petr Kratky because of the quality of players coming through the club’s academy.

As revealed in yesterday’s Journal, the Newcastle-based side sacked the 6ft 5in Czech in response to the club’s alarming dip in form.

Last Sunday’s scrappy 6-3 Elite League win over Basingstoke Bison ended a run of six straight defeats. Kratky’s departure leaves the Vipers’ roster an import short – probably two at the weekend with Todd Jackson struggling to overcome a groin injury – but Wilson believes the form of youngsters Jez Lundin and Richie Thornton will allow him to take his time choosing a replacement.

“Jez and Richie are playing very well right now,” he said. “So I want to give them their chance again.

“If the right guy’s out there, I shall bring someone in but I’m determined I won’t just sign somebody for the sake of it.” Lundin, 19, who started his career with English National League sides Sunderland Chiefs and Whitley Warriors, has made such a good start to the season, he has been selected in the Great Britain squad for this month’s World Under-20 Championships in Latvia.

Billingham product Thornton, 25, has played in all but three of the first team’s games this season, Lundin is an ever-present.

Wilson explained the thinking behind sacking 31-year-old Kratky, saying: “He got hurt and never really got back to the level we were expecting. I think Petr struggled to regain his confidence. He certainly wasn’t the same player from early in the season.

“He was getting caught out at times and, on the whole, I felt it’s better for the team to make this change now.

“I have nothing but respect for the way Petr has conducted himself on and off the ice.

“On this occasion, however, things haven’t worked out for both parties. Petr leaves with my thanks and best wishes for the future.”