New Signing For Coventry Jets

Last updated : 03 May 2010 By Adam Etheridge

After losing Great Britain wide receiver Mark Cohen to retirement as well as fellow Lions stars James Hossack and Joe Black over the past 12 months you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Coventry Jets offensive production might be in decline. However, the Jets this week announced the signing of Benjamin Barker from the Yorkshire Rams. Barker can also boast a Great Britain cap having represented them in a recent tie versus France.

 

Secretary Adam Etheridge described the capture as “significant” adding that it was “the first of many to be announced this off-season. Barker has compiled some impressive numbers over his short career, leading his team in receiving touchdowns each of the past three seasons. The 24 year old was named MVP of the Norwich Devils in 2007 as they won the second division final 26-12 against the Dundee Hurricanes.

 

Since moving to Manchester the Postgraduate student has played for the Leeds’ based Rams and also University side the Leeds Celtics. Most often utilised at wide receiver Etheridge described Barker as “possessing the kind of breakaway speed that scares defences. He’s shifty and is difficult to tackle, he never lets the first man take him down. He’s the perfect fit for us, he’s a talented young athlete that wants to win knows how much work that requires”.

 

“I wanted to be part of one of the best football programmes in the Country” stated the ambitious Barker “playing alongside Jeremy Simms and Stuart Franklin has also been a great pulling factor, I met them with GB and want to work with them to improve my game. It was an incredibly difficult decision to leave the Rams, they’re a great group of guys and in Orlando Weekes they have a tremendous coach. I want to help the Jets reclaim the National Title and improve myself as a player to become a regular in the Lions’ squad”.

 

General Manager Gerry McManus was full of praise for the new signing “Benjamin’s a great kid, he’s got the ability to play anywhere on the field and can go along way in this sport. His work ethic is refreshing and is just what we need to inspire the young rookies that we have coming through. We’re still in a rebuilding process but I think we’ll be competitive again this season”. With Barker secured and more to follow, who would argue?