Jason Parry believes the introduction of Tigers NIHL youngsters Brad Betteridge and Joe Aston to the club’s senior EPL team is proof of Telford’s thriving player development system.
Betteridge and Aston both featured in Wednesday’s EPL clash with Peterborough, alongside fellow NIHL stars Adam Taylor, Callum Bowley and Corey Goodison.
The pair are likely to return to Telford’s second string for the trip to Solway Sharks on Saturday (7pm), but Parry hailed the experience of playing alongside seasoned professionals as a taste of things to come.
He said: “It was very pleasing to see Brad and Joe get the opportunity at EPL level and they acquitted themselves well. Tom isn’t scared of giving youngsters an opportunity and that is very important.
“I will be even prouder when they make the permanent step up, but at the moment it’s pleasing to see them take small steps and move in the right direction.
“I’ve seen other clubs come to Telford and play short benched, when surely they could have played some of their younger players. It is important to offer that opportunity.
“It isn’t just a one-off either. If Tom has been impressed with a kid this season, they will often get a place on the bench. Every time we haven’t had a game, Corey has been on the EPL bench. He has earned that place.”
The journey to Scotland will see Telford play Solway Sharks for double points, after their original fixture in December was cancelled due to bad weather.
Parry added: “It isn’t ideal to be playing for double points, as we travelled all the way to Solway last year, before the game was cancelled late in the day.
“At this stage of the season, a win for either team could make a big difference. We just want to finish as high as we can, although I expect we’ll be short of players.
“It’s a long way to go and the lads will give their best shot. Our last few performances have been encouraging, including the game against Blackburn last week.
“We’ll go there, dig in and make it tough for them to score a goal. If we can do that and nick a couple of goals, then we could come away with a good result.”
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