Our squad will do job, says Wilson

Feb 2 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

DESPITE having tried and failed to add to his squad before Thursday night’s midnight transfer deadline, Vipers coach Rob Wilson has declared himself happy with the squad which will see him through until the end of the season.

At various times in the past seven days, Wilson (pictured below) had been hoping tomorrow’s trip to Edinburgh Capitals would mark the Elite League debuts of Cory Morgan, Rod Hinks and Marek Ivan (though as former Vipers, Hinks’ and Morgan’s would have been their second and third debuts respectively).

But all three deals fell through, leaving only defenceman Burt Henderson to make his first appearance in a Vipers jersey in Scotland.

Wilson has endured a frustrating two months in which he has tried desperately – and failed – to bring more new talent to Tyneside.

“It’s been a funny year,” said Wilson. “Everyone’s been trying to get players but I’ve always said I’m not going to break the bank or sign anybody for the sake of it.

“We had Morgan signed up, then Hinksy and ended up missing out on both so it’s been a frustrating time. When Hinksy fell through we tried to revive a deal for a Slovakian guy, Marek Ivan, but were unable to.

“For a few months now I’ve been trying to get the right centreman. But things have moved in the right direction on the ice in the last few weeks. Shuggy (Shaun Johnson) has been outstanding recently and the third line was outstanding at the weekend.

“Paysie (Andre Payette) plays really well with the kids. Hutchy (Jeff Hutchins) also played extremely well last week, considering he’s been out with a groin injury.”

No sooner has winger Hutchins returned from surgery than defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk is to go under the knife. The Ukrainian has also been carrying a groin problem for some time and has finally had to admit defeat in his battle for fitness.

That the 29-year-old should be back in time to play in the end-of-season play-offs only adds to Wilson’s optimism that his team can have an impact in the competition they won two years ago.

“I like what we’re doing and if we can get Pascha healthy we should be in great shape for the play-offs,” he said. “He’s going in for surgery and we think he’ll be out for three-and-a-half to four weeks. When that happens we’ll be running with four very good defencemen because Jez Lundin has playing very well recently.”

Whitley Warriors and Billingham Bombers entertain sides in the bottom three of the English National League (North) tomorrow.

Title-chasing Whitley host Bradford Buffaloes, while Grimsby Redwings are due on Teesside. The Vipers reserves travel to Kingston Jets.

STUART RAYNER