Experienced, well known and popular Notts League face Dave Barnard is Matlock’s first official signing of the new campaign as pre-season preparations accelerate on a tide of optimism.
Barnard, who is better known nowadays as a top league referee,
has been looking for a club since his contract with Bingham was cancelled a while ago by mutual consent.
Dave, who is still prepared to play if really needed, is a celebrated choice by many in the club.
Wealthy club chairman Dave Frost applauded the acquisition. He said: “Dave has toured with us for the last few years and has been a special guest at our annual dinner on many occasions. He will be a good influence.”
Barnard, who claims to be the second most attractive and famous person to come out of Runcorn behind Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud, denied being 73-years-old at the time of going to press.
Training continued at the Lido on Sunday and demonstrated that the fitness of most players is better at this stage than for many years.
Paul Newcomb, who is now in the same shape as in his modelling days of the last decade, is going for it.
He said: “The time has come for me to make my mark after years in the game. The talk and the catwalk have been exchanged for action.”
Paul backed up his words by pushing the club’s fastest player, Richard Flint, on the sprint sets in particular.
Youngster Tom Illingworth also worked extremely hard and his recent upper body development should help him to compete more evenly this season.
Matlock play a friendly on Sunday at home to South Derbyshire. Tickets are free.
Access the club’s website at
www.matlockwaterpoloclub.btik.com for more information.
