By Martin Walker
Allan Oliver has explained how his players have dug deep to help one of their injured team-mates.
Star defender Mark Peck had to undergo a serious operation on a burst artery in his lower leg last week after developing a blood clot – he’ll be sidelined for several months and out of work.
Insurances will help him pay the bills, but his fellow Aycliffe players – and supporters – have been quick to put their hands in their pockets to help him out.
In a video interview with boss Allan Oliver today, he explained: “From their expenses the players have contributed a considerable amount.
“He’s been seriously ill and the players were really concerned about him. It was their idea and they asked me to hand the money to Mark, and it was a substantial sum.
“I went to see him on the Sunday night and he was over the moon. It was a hell of a tonic for the kid. It put a big smile on his face.
“It wasn’t just the money. It was more than the lads and the supporters chipped in for him and were thinking of him. He’s a massive part of this club, even though he’s injured.
“At any successful club, one of the main things is team spirit. It’s like an extra man on the field.”
Oliver’s interview in full is now in the Video Vault