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Simms: Alker the key to title charge

20/12/2007

SALFORD chief Steve Simms believes that Malc Alker will inspire the Reds to National League One glory next year now that his injury problems are behind him.

Captain fantastic Alker put in a series of inspirational performances to lead Salford straight back up the last time they were relegated in 2003.

Director of football Simms can see history repeating itself next season. And he also believes that the Reds may not have dropped out of Super League in the first place had Alker not missed a large chunk of last season with knee and hand injuries.

Simms said: “It’s going to be a tough season and it’s also a vitally important one. But if you want someone by your side in the trenches, you’d go for Malc every time.

“He is one of the best professionals I have ever come across. He leads by example in everything he does and will be our flag bearer.

“His strong leadership qualities are second to none. It’s such a massive boost to know he will be out there leading from the front.

“He is a very big part of the Salford set-up. If he had been fully fit last season, things may well have been very different in terms of staying up. He has bags of experience from playing in Super League and he helped us win promotion the last time we were in the first division.

“He was very unfortunate with injuries last season. We could not have missed a more influential player. But we must now look ahead and he knows what is expected of us.

“We are pleased with the make up of the squad. There is a good blend of youth and experience and to see Malc as part of that is tremendous.

“We need to be strong in the pack. Standards have risen in the National League. There are lots of high-profile players.

“But the new season provides our young players with a perfect opportunity to stake a claim and show what they can do. And they could not have a better player to learn from than Malc Alker.”