Salem's lot made harder by clear-out
Oct 22 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
NEWCASTLE Vipers’ Britpack are feeling added responsibility after this summer’s clear-out, according to Nathan Salem.
New player-coach Danny Stewart started almost from scratch this term, only Newcastle-born Jamie Tinsley surviving his rebuilding. Stewart has created a new local core around former Whitley Warriors Salem, Paul Sample, Sam Zajac and Liam McAllister. Dean Holland has also returned after leaving for Manchester Phoenix.
The Elite League club have always held great store by local talent, and previous captains David Longstaff and Jonathan Weaver were talismen. Sunderland-born Salem acknowledges it is time for others to take up the mantle after Richie Thornton, Rich Lawson, Ben Campbell, Ross Hanlon and Daniel Pye joined Longstaff in seeking pastures new.
“Since Lobby and Ben left, it’s given us local lads more responsibility, even with Dean coming back,” said Salem. “We’ve got to step up and fill their shoes really.
“It’s important for every club to have a few local players. It’s what the fans want – to see the local players playing for the local team.
“In time I would love to jump in the shoes of players like Lobby (Longstaff) and Weaves, because Weaves is probably the best player in the league now and Lobby was until he broke both feet. Last season he still did well. They’re talented players.
“I look at other (British) players at Coventry like (Greg) Owen and (Russ) Cowley, and there’s (Colin) Shields who played here and is now in Belfast. They’re all good quality players.”
The 19-year-old has stepped up from English National League to Elite League level this term, but has had to juggle playing with study.
“Every morning I’m at college until four o’clock so I’m going straight from training to college each day,” he explained. “Most of my lessons start at nine and I don’t get there until 11, so I miss two lessons. I’ve have to stay behind and catch up on all the work I’ve missed in the morning.
“I’m doing a BTEC National Level Three course in personal training, a fitness instructing award and a sports coaching one so I get three stickers for it. I want to work in the sports industry or sports management – just generally in sport.”
The Vipers entertain Cardiff Devils tomorrow, before travelling to Hull Stingrays on Sunday. The following week sees Belfast Giants at Hillheads for the ‘Halloween Havoc’ weekend.
