Goalie on TV faces volley of criticism

A non- l eague goalkeeper appeared on Soccer AM on Saturday – only to feel the wrath of harsh internet critics.

Dan Cook, who lives in Ashford and plays for Lydd Town in SCEFL Division 1, was a keeper on the Sky Sports show’s volley challenge.

It pits two sets of fans against one another – in this case Wigan and Fulham – and they each have 30 seconds to score as many volleys as possible.

The footage had more than 400,000 views in two hours online.

Mr Cook had his work cut out with supporters smashing in shots from just 12 yards out.

But that didn’t cut any slack with the Facebook community on Soccer AM’s page, who didn’t hold back in their criticism.

One wrote: “Keepers might as well watch it on telly with the rest of us.”

Mr Cook owns DC1 Goalkeeping in The Street, Ashford, supplying gloves for many nonleague keepers in Kent. Signs indicating a new time limit on parking at Ashford Retail Park have been installed.

Shoppers will now be limited to three hours shopping at the site in Sevington, or risk facing a £100 fine.

Automatic number place recognition cameras will be used to monitor the car parking area.

The signs note that no return is allowed within one hour and that the fine can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

The new regulations have been put in place after it was brought to the attention of Savills, the site’s managing agent, that parking spaces were being used by people who were not shopping on the park. Savills were con-

See page 17 for responses to the initial announcement on social media.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk tacted for an updated comment about the restrictions but did not respond before the Kentish Express went to print yesterday (Wednesday).

A previous statement said: “As the managing agent at Ashford Retail Park, Savills can confirm it is aware parking spaces are being used by people who are not shopping there.

“In response, there are plans to introduce a time limit to ensure shoppers have maximum access to the parking facilities, which will remain free. Details of the new time restrictions are being finalised and will be clearly signposted well in advance.

“Installation has begun on site but not yet completed.”

The new signs are installed, indicating the parking charge and conditions

Goalkeeper Dan Cook