ROCESTER manager Dave Langston reckons his young squad can learn a lesson from veteran centre-half Wayne Johnson.
The 38-year-old stopper has been outstanding for the Romans this season and Langston says the former Leek Town and Kidsgrove Athletic skipper is setting a fine example.
“Wayne’s doing extremely well,” said Langston after seeing the big defender net for the second game running.
“What’s great to see is the young lads and the respect they’ve got for Wayne because of the way he’s playing.
“The game has changed a bit but Wayne’s an old fashioned centre-half who goes out and wins the ball — you still need that.
“He gives 150 per cent every game and I’ve said to some of the younger lads that they don’t give me what he does.”
Experienced midfielder Craig Holland, 30, who was a key man in Rocester’s Midland Alliance-winning side of 2003/04, is also working tirelessly to propel the Romans into a title fight.
“Craig gives me everything out on the pitch, the same as Wayne,” said Langston.
“He scored a cracker at the weekend too.
He’s still a top player.” Rocester beat Causeway United 4-2 at the weekend and Langston is confident they are the best side his men have faced this season.
The win took the Romans up to fourth in the Alliance table ahead of their visit to last season’s surprise package Westfields.
“We had a very good result on Saturday against possibly the best team we’ve played in the league this season,” said Langston.
“They were a decent side and worked very hard.
“They’ve got a new manager and should do well this season.
“Their striker Aaron Lloyd has played for Shrewsbury and Cheltenham. He got sent off but he’ll score goals.”
As well as Johnson and Holland scoring on Saturday, Darren Bullock and Ryan Grocott netted in front of 96 at Hillsfield.
