Why the Net has the advantage in the ‘Undies world’
- Shopping blogger Emma Iannarilli
Brock’s return for one game only
Friday 6th November 2009, 9:15AM GMT.
Stand-in Stourbridge goalkeeper Stuart Brock still plans to return to his retirement despite learning how to love football again through his Glassboys heroics.
The former Kidderminster custodian returns to the ‘big time’ tomorrow just weeks after dusting off his gloves to answer an SOS from the War Memorial Ground.
And the 33-year-old, who almost helped Harriers dump Wolves out of the FA Cup in 2004, admits he is tempted by a permanent comeback after helping the Zamaretto League minnows reach the first round for the first time.
But the ex-Villa trainee, who called time on his career in the summer after ending last season at Hednesford, still intends to return to his new career as an electrician.
Brock said: “I’d just had enough of football. Work was taking over and I fancied a break. The plan is still to give it up in the long-term.
“That’s what I agreed with Gary Hackett, the manager here, when I signed, but maybe we might have a bit of a chat in a few weeks’ time.
“I have quite enjoyed it here if I am honest. It’s been good. But let’s just get this game out of the way and get back to the league fixtures.
“Lewis Solly, the regular keeper, should be fit in a couple of weeks and then maybe Gary and I will have a chat and see what the future holds.
“But at the moment it is just a short-term thing.”
The father-of-one, who lives in Kinver, stepped into the breach as a favour to Glassboys assistant manager Jon Ford – a former Aggborough team-mate.
Brock admits his sympathy for Stourbridge-based Solly, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury.
He said: “I feel sorry for him because he is missing out on a big game. He has been here for so long and this would have been the biggest game for him.
“But I am pleased for myself. It’s the first round of the FA Cup so it should be a big day.”
Brock is also hoping to thwart an old friend tomorrow when another former Villa trainee, Darren Byfield, arrives in Amblecote with Walsall.
The keeper said: “I was in the same youth team as Darren. I still see him out and about every now and then and we’re still friends.
“I haven’t got his number to text him before the game but I will give him a bit of abuse on the pitch!”
Business Awards
Book a Business Awards table
Join our celebrations of the region's best in business on Thursday March 22 - book your table now
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.