GARY Clarke described himself as a relieved man after seeing his two overseas signing in action for the first time proper.
Having only watched Julius Sinkovic and Tibor Schneider over the internet through the use of video networking sites, he decided to invest in the pair for the Chelmsford Chieftains this season. And, after watching the duo play their part in the 12-3 pre-season victory over Sutton Sting, he's pleased with the business he's done.
"You could say it's a relief, it's always a worry," he admitted.
"You're limited to two overseas players so you've got to make sure that they're right. I thought they both had what I wanted but before you actually see them on the ice you never really know. So to see them in the flesh is good.
"What I also like about them is that the language barrier isn't an issue and they're good team guys and they're getting used to the banter, so that's great."
"They both did very well. One is a forward so he will be, on paper, noticed a lot more because he'll have more of an offensive threat and he managed to score four goals. He'll be a handful for the other team's defence. He did very well and seemed to stick the pick away with ease, so I'm very pleased with Julius.
"With regards to Tibor the defence man, well, he's a rock. He's a rock back there and he's very steady. He didn't look like he got out of second gear if I'm brutally honest, so there's more to come from him. What I did notice is that he's got one heck of a shot. So, given the opportunity, he'll score some goals also."
Clarke described the game against Sutton as 'the ideal type of game when you consider we've only been on the ice as a while team for one week'. Danny Hammond matched Sinkovic's four goals while Cameron Bartlett, Ross Brears and Gary Clarke all scored a brace each.
On Saturday the Chieftains travel to Sheffield to take on the same opposition and they will be a lot stronger,' warned Clarke.
But the sterner test surely comes on Sunday when EPL team the Telford Tigers visit the Riverside. Telford are much improved from last season's struggle at the wrong end of the table.
They have made some big signings in Jaroslav Cesky and Patrick Greene, all joining veteran Tom Watkins's men.
