Arm round the shoulder gave Maxted confidence to thrive
ON THE evidence of his staggering feats of the past two matches, a little bit of tender loving care is reaping a harvest for Guiseley cup hero Jonny Maxted.
One of several Lions players to already take the plunge and decide to go full-time as part of Paul Cox’s brave new world, Maxted’s inspired performance at Accrington’s Crown Ground on Tuesday evening helped provide an early vindication for his decision.
As did his similarly headlinegrabbing display in Saturday’s National League encounter with Bromley.
Fresh from saving two spotkicks in regulation time in that narrow league loss, Maxted doubled up by making two key saves in a tumultuous penalty shootout success in the Lions’ history-making FA Cup first-round replay triumph at League Two high-fliers Stanley. Simply magnificent on the night, the 24-yearold – nephew of Guiseley’s 1991 FA Vase-winning goalkeeper Paul Maxted – made several other fantastic saves to ensure the game somehow ended all-square after extra-time.
“Going full time has really helped Jonny. He is like a man possessed in training now,” said manager Paul Cox, whose side’s heroics earned him a sentimental second-round trip to former club Mansfield Town on Sunday, December 3 (2pm).
“It is amazing how he has developed in a short space of time. But it is no fluke because of the way he works, his application and his desire to become better.
“I had a one-on-one with him after training on Monday. You see his desire to become better and to train hard, his desire to work above and beyond what his role is.
“He is a very good goalkeeper that probably mentally wanted an arm round his shoulder. He needed reminding how good he is.
“I do not think you have to coach natural footballers like that. It is just sometimes for a manager to show a bit of belief.” JAMES COPPINGER admits that he will put family first when he makes the fateful decision on his future involvement in the game.
The ever-green Doncaster Rovers veteran, in his 14th season with the club, reached another playing milestone on Saturday when he made his 550th appearance in the club’s colours in the 1-1 derby draw with Rotherham United.
When he does finally call time on his playing career, a move into the coaching realm has been mooted by some, although Coppinger is circumspect in that regard.
Coppinger, whose current contract ends in June, said: “Family for me is a big part of my life. I would not be stopping playing and going into a job where I would be working from seven to seven and I think managing and coaching means you have to be prepared to put the hours in if you want to be the best.”
Coppinger’s longevity is such that he actually played in the previous Keepmoat meeting between Rovers and the Millers just over a decade earlier in January 2007.
He may turn 37 in January, but the club legend admits he has entertained thoughts of reaching more appearance milestones.
Rovers’ all-time leading appearance maker has also hinted that the drive and competitive edge of his teammates is likely to be a significant factor in his decision whether to play beyond this season.
“I would love to get to 600 and 700. But I take it a season at the time,” said Coppinger.
“It is difficult to make that decision (to carry on). It is not just me; I have a young family and travel in from Middlesbrough every day. It does take its toll, not physically, but mentally more than anything.
“But I love the club and doing what I do and that is why I have played for as long as I have.”