Ex-coach offers words of advice to players
Former Braehead Clan coach Paul Gardner has warned the club’s locker room they better buck up their ideas to impress new coach John Tripp.
Tripp was unveiled as the replacement for Ryan Finnerty last week, with the former Clan boss heading to Manchester Storm.
And Gardner, who has previously coached and worked alongside Tripp, insists that the new boss will be expect the highest of standards from his new crop of players.
The 40-year-old arrived in town at the start of this week, plotting the opportunity to bring more players on board, and Gardner reckons fans and players alike will soon see Tripp’s influence on the ice.
Gardner said: “The biggest thing the fans can expect from John’s team is hard work.
“When I coached him, he was a good player, but his hard work paid off and he won’t expect anything less.
“He and I have spoken about this in the past and, if you have the best and most talented team, but not the work ethic, then you won’t make anything happen.
“If you’re a player wanting ice time, you have to work hard to able to get it, otherwise you won’t and that’s something I agree with.”
Gardner added: “John has a presence about him and I believe he’s the sort of person that can sell a club like Braehead Clan.
“Physically, he’s a big man and will get the respect of the players very quickly.
“He’s a quality person, who is straightforward and upfront.
“He’s also a hard worker and his good qualities as a player will carry over to his coaching side.
“In fact, John’s already called me and asked questions about a few players, so he’s on the job right now and I’m very excited for him.”
The biggest thing the fans can expect from John’s team is hard work Paul Gardner