Captain Marvel Revels In New Role

Last updated : 12 April 2005 By Stray Shots Team
Skipper Darren Barnard (photo by Ian Morsman)
The Aldershot News has reported that the former Welsh International who skippered the side for the sixth time this season on Saturday boasts an unbeaten record with five wins and a draw coming as a result.

Barney took over the reins due to injuries of Ray Warburton and Steve Watson and given his experience in the pro and International game, has settled into his new role with ease.

So much so in fact, he's pushing for the role full-time.

He joked: "I've pointed out to the manager, that's now six games as captain with five wins and a draw.

"So, it looks like I'm pushing for a starting role as captain, I don't think I'll get it, but it's just pleasing to have so many leaders on the pitch.

"Obviously Warbs is the main captain of the club and he had a nasty shiner on his eye from the game with Basingstoke in the week and Watto wasn't quite ready. It's always an honour to captain your club and it's a role I take great pride in."

But it's not just the captain's role which Barney is taking to heart — he's also chipping in on the goalscoring front.

Captain Marvel continued his fine first season for the Shots with a crucial 78th minute winner which helped keep the Play-Off charge on track.

It was his fifth of the season and third in as many games —not a bad return for a left back!

"It's not a bad return no," he continued. "But I'm not bothered who scores the goals, as long as we win. It's not exactly the best goal I've ever scored but from the club's point of view, it's a massive goal.

"We know what we've got to do now. We've got to go to Northwich, try and get a result there, then we've got a tough game at Accrington before playing Scarborough here at home.

"All three games are winnable and if we win two of them, we're in the Play-Offs. I'd rather win the first two to take the pressure off a little in the final game.

"We're in the driving seat now. I've always been a positive person, never a 'glass is half empty' kind of guy, and we are going to get into the Play-Off's, simple as that!"

With thanks to the Aldershot News.