VARD WORK IS PAYING OFF
<M<IP B@:B# <M<IP >F8C# <M<IP >8D< Boro hitman keeps on trucking
DANNY NEWTON can expect another text from Jamie Vardy after clipping the high-flying Magpies’ wings. The striker bagged Boro’s opener before a rare goal from Elliott Hewitt kept the visitors in top spot. Newton, 26, was working for a lorry axle firm before Boro came calling in the summer. And they did so thanks to his starring role at the V9 Academy created by England hitman Vardy to give nonLeague talent a leg up. Newton, who joined from National League North outfit Tamworth, said: “Jamie still texts me to wish me well and tell me to work hard. “I love what I’m doing now and I’d never want to go back to working in the factory. “I haven’t got time on my side, like young lads who are just starting out at 17 or 18, because I came into the professional game late.
“I’ve only got a short space of time to make an impact.
“Although the job hasn’t changed in one respect – putting the ball in the net – there are so many areas where I’ve improved already.
Grab
“I’m getting top coaching now, my body has changed completely, my diet’s improved, I’ve lost weight, I look slimmer, I’m getting help from sports scientists and physios... it’s all helping me.
“Sometimes it’s hard as a parttimer when you have to go to games after work and you only have time to grab a sandwich on the way.
“At this level your pre-match meals are right and everything is geared towards performing your best.” County boss Kevin Nolan reckons referees could benefit from the same arrangement after watching Ross Joyce struggle to keep order.
Nolan wasn’t happy with many of the official’s decisions as hefty Boro challenges went unpunished, while County striker Jon Stead was pulled up for phantom offences.
Joyce became the Football League’s youngest referee aged 29 two years ago and his day job is referee development officer for North Riding FA.
That has allowed him to train four times a week following a personalised plan that takes account of diet, while he works with a sports psychologist as well.
However, ex-Bolton star Nolan wants all lower League officials to have those advantages.
He said: “We moan about them but these lads need help as they are playing with professional athletes.
“They are working in a day job and then have to come here, clear their minds and do as best they can.
“We need to get professional referees further down the League. Then they can only get better.”