Wilson wants a boost for fans

Dec 15 2007 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

ROB Wilson has demanded his Vipers players win back disillusioned supporters with a wholehearted display against Sheffield Steelers at Newcastle Arena tomorrow.

The Vipers’ Elite League weekend starts with a difficult trip to Cardiff Devils today but it is in their own rink they will be under the most scrutiny.

Wednesday’s penalty shots win over Hull Stingrays was only their second in 10 matches, but it is performances more than results Wilson thinks the fans will be demanding.

The last match at the Arena saw them shut out for the first time this season in a 4-0 defeat and although they won the previous home encounter, they beat Basingstoke Bison in front of their lowest gate this term.

“We’ve got to try to get back on track at home,” said the Canadian-born coach. “Fans have a right to be upset if they think we’re not giving an honest attempt.

“I thought the first period on Wednesday (when they defeated Hull 2-1) was probably as good as we’ve played this season. I don’t know if we got over-confident but we let them back into the game, then seemed to lose our confidence.”

Wilson is unconcerned about the pockets of criticism he has received during games recently.

“They’re all going to have their own opinions, just like I do when I’m watching football or other sports,” he said. “I don’t think it’s really the style they have a problem with, they’re more concerned with whether the players are putting an honest effort in.

“When they feel they’re not giving 100%, that’s when they can turn. But most have been right behind us all season.”

Wilson is hoping to set the game up with a morale-boosting performance in the Welsh capital.

“Cardiff is a huge game,” he said. “We seem to do well at Cardiff because it’s so tight and compact you end up on top of the opposition. It suits our style of play.”

With the exception of Dean Holland and Jez Lundin, both at the World Under-20 Championships, the Vipers have a full squad – if not a fully fit one.

“Todd Jackson and Pavel Gomenyuk are back but they’re not fit,” he said. “Jeff Hutchins is not great either but they’ll all be available so we’ve got no excuses.”

Whitley Warriors have Northern League games against Dundee Stars (home) today and at Solway Sharks tomorrow, while Billingham Bombers are at Blackburn Hawks in tomorrow’s English National League (North).