The Coventry Jets continued their roster overhaul with the recent signing of centre Barry Driver. The Leicester native arrives at the club after spending the past year orchestrating the offensive line at perennial playoff contenders the Cornish Sharks. Driver possess one of the most impressive CVs in British American Football having won two National Titles as well as a host of European accolades.
Driver's formative years were spent with his home town club, the Leicester Panthers, before moving on to join then Britball powerhouse the Birmingham Bulls where he played alongside Jets' legends Mark Cohen and Paul Newey. An integral part of Great Britain's 1991 European Championship winning squad in Finland, Driver was named All-European at left guard.
A second spell with the Panthers was followed by a stint with the Great Britain Spartans in the Football League of Europe. With his trophy cabinet already overflowing Driver still has the desire to win more "I'm looking to win the National Title and help the Jets build a solid base for decades to come from cadet flag right through to senior contact" stated the 40 year old HGV driver. "It was a difficult decision to leave my former team but I'm delighted to be playing in the Midlands again and there's no bigger team here than the Jets."
"I'm really happy to be a part of a growing club and hope I can bring something new to an already powerful American Football team. I've worked with some of the players and coaches in the past which has made it easier to settle in. I've built up a good working relationship with the players, coaches and backroom staff, we've already achieved a lot in the time I've been here but there's still much to be done."
Acting Head Coach Gerry McManus has no doubts that Driver will help the team achieve it's goals for the season "Barry's experience is invaluable to this team, he makes everyone around him a better player. He's like having a coach out on the field, his ability to read the game is second to none. He has an infectious personality and his presence at the club has already been a real bonus."
You can see how Driver and the Jets fare against the reigning champion London Blitz as they meet at the Butts Park Arena on Saturday the 12th of June. The action gets underway at 16:00 and entry prices are £5 for adults, £2 for Under 16s with a family ticket that covers 2 adults and 4 children for just £10. For further information on the Coventry Jets visit their website www.coventryjets.co.uk or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.