|
|
STEVE RUSSELL: 21 YEARS AT WOLVERHAMPTON
 Is
that fidelity or what? Steve Russell, in charge of the National
League’s Wolves, loves his club. “It’s friendly, very well equipped, and
enthusiastic”, he says.
And boy o boy did they have a great time tonight!
Anthony Ricketts and Shelley Kitchen are away in Australia at the moment,
but even without its stronger players, the team is still powerful indeed.
“Four years ago, when Brian Hargrave asked me in July if I would enter
Wolverhampton in the National League for October, I was quite pressed for
time. So, I got Scott Handley, who got in touch with Mark Cairns, who got
Joey Barrington, etc. In the first season, we had Thierry Lincou who
played for us, and even John White in some games. But we tried tostick to
those core players”.
“We would like very much to get to the semi-finals, and as we are at the
moment third, it’s a very attainable goal, I would say. So, let’s hope we
do well tonight”.
And you know what? They did…
|
NICK CLIFFORD: PERPETUATING THE
FAMILY NAME…
 For
four weeks now, Nottingham has had a new manager, Nick Clifford.
Tonight was his first National League match. Was he nervous?
“Nervous is an understatement”, Nick laughed. “But we have an excellent
staff, so hopefully, things should run smoothly”.
Nick’s last job was driving instructor, but he has always been in Squash.
As a manager, first of all, as he used to manage Durham Squash Club ten
years ago, but also as the son of the first paid manager of Nottingham
Squash Club, Brian Clifford, who unfortunately passed away this August,
having been a member of the club for, wait for this one, 54 years.
“My goal is to maintain the excellence of standard that Nottingham has
enjoyed for so many years, and also take the development of the club to
where the members will want it taken.”
Sounds good to me, Nick. And don’t worry, there will be better days |
JOHN WHITE:
FAR TOO STRONG
Here they were, John White and Alex Gough warming the ball
before their encounter. Nothing unusual.
Alex goes out to get rid of his track suit. John keeps on hitting the
ball.
And just as Alex was coming back, John comes out with a guilty look on his
face: “the ball is dead, I’m afraid”.
Boys, boys, boys. Can’t help themselves, can they? Always have to break
something…
 |
MICHAEL'S
T-SHIRT
“Who is your favourite player”, I asked those two boys while waiting for
the first match on.
“Simon Parke”, replied Michael immediately. When I asked him why,
his answer was quick:
“He gave me this t-shirt”.
Beat that one. |
HANDLEY FULL POWER
 It
is a good moment for Englishman Scott Handley. Not only he is
married to a gorgeous lady, he is about to become a father, and he just
hung his biggest scalp on his belt.
“Where were you last week”, he shouted at me, with a big smile, “when I
had the biggest win of my career?”
Well, a few months ago, in a Surrey League match (still in English
scoring up to 9), where Scott has been playing for Colets for years now,
he took Peter Nicol to a five-set match. And last Wednesday, he did it.
He beat the Boss 3/0.
And I was in Sheffield! Sorry, Scott.
|
JOEY HAPPY TO BE BACK
I have been training very hard. I’m
happy to be back home after spending about six weeks away. I came back ten
days ago, and I’m just starting to settle down.
I had a good think about my squash, and I have now a clear picture of the
way I have to play intelligent, good, positive squash. I can’t just
simply rely on my fitness to win matches…
I have been training with David Pearson and my dad, and the combination of
the two has been very beneficial. I’m enjoying my squash more now.
Today, I played solid squash. I’ve now recovered fully from my trips, and
I’m ready to attack Chicago, then the TOC.
My goal was to start the year in the top 30. I haven’t reached it, but I’m
not too far away. It’s so hard to get in the top 30. Once you’re there,
you are OK and can stay for a while, but it’s very competitive and hard to
get there.
I must say I’m happy I was at last asked to play for Wolves, as they
haven’t picked me all season, and although I’m top 40, I only played one
National League match all year. So, I hope they are going to select me
more often…
Joey Barrington |
BEAUTIFUL LADIES
Every time I come to the club, I am greeted by two smiles from Jax and
Kitty.
From my first visit, they have been so caring, and nice, and funny, and
charming...
So ladies, thank you for making me feel welcome…
 |
|
|
|
