The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Vintage Matt
Dundeeveteran in tip-top shape
THIRTY-SIX is a vintage when many footballers usually decide to hang up their boots — if they have not done so already. But try telling that to Matt Lockwood. The Dundee defender, who turns 37 in October, is currently in the midst of his 20th pre-season and is feeling in tip-top condition ahead of what will be a hugely important season for the Dark Blues as they aim to bounce back into the top flight at the first attempt.
And Lockwood shows little sign of stopping as he seeks to play a major part in Dundee’s promotion push.
“I’m feeling great,” he told Courier Sport.
“I have to admit pre-seasons don’t get any easier but that’s what you expect.
“I feel as though I can play for a few more seasons quite easily.
“I’ve always looked after myself throughout my career and I’m not even thinking that this could be my last season — no way.
“As long as I’m doing a job on the park and the manager is happy then that’s all that matters.
“Loads of players have played into their 40s and it’s easier if you are a good professional.
“I know when to rest and look after my body and that’s so important these days if you want to prolong your career.”
Dundee will field a mixture of youth and experience in Saturday’s Ramsdens Cup first round tie at Alloa and Lockwood could well be one of the older heads boss John Brown calls on to guide the younger lads through.
Indeed, Lockwood reckons the presence of boys almost half his age alongside him will do the club a power of good as they seek to progress in a national competition.
He added: “We’re concentrating on the league this season and trying to get back to the Premier League.
“But obviously we want to do as well as possible in the cup competitions as well.
“If some of the young lads are going to play then there will still be demands made upon them. “It doesn’t matter if they’re young. “They’re there on merit and have to play their part like the rest of the lads. “Winning games is a habit. “We’re undefeated in pre-season and we want to keep that going for as long as possible.
“No games are easy, especially in the cup, and this one will be no different.
“It will be a tricky tie and we will go down there under no illusions.”