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Search forHodges ready with his gloves!
Thursday, August 07, 2008, 09:42
And the 34-year-old former Plymouth Argyle stalwart already has a track record to boot!
With Plainmoor No.2 Martin Rice poised to complete a season-long 'keep sharp' loan move to Truro City, Buckle is expected to tackle the new Blue Square Premier season — United start at Histon on Saturday — with only first-choice Michael Poke to call on and five outfield players on the subs' bench.
But if anything happens to Poke in mid-match, 34-year-old Hodges has the best credentials to take over.
For among many roles he's played in a 450-game career with Spurs, Barnet, Reading and Argyle is a stint in goal.
Only last season Plymouth were losing 1-0 at Scunthorpe in March when goalie Luke McCormick was sent off for handling outside his area in the 71st minute.
As they did for many games last season, Argyle had no substitute goalkeeper. It was always understood that Hodges would be ready to pull on the gloves.
He did just that at Glanford Park, promptly pulled off a fine save from the ensuing free-kick and did not concede a goal in the rest of the match.
"It was one of the most nervous experiences of my life," quipped Hodges.
"I did push that first shot wide, which I was quite pleased with. I also let one go which hit the inside of the post.
"But I can say I kept a clean-sheet for the 20 or so minutes I was in goal.
"I can't say I really enjoyed it, but I'll always stick my hand up if we find ourselves in the same situation.
"Thank goodness, losing the goalie doesn't happen too often in football, but we'll have a plan if it does."
Buckle has not revealed if he has made a decision on who might deputise for Poke, or who that deputy will be.
BGB Southern League newcomers Truro have agreed to sign Rice, 22, on a season-long loan.
But United, who want him to keep in regular match practice, have a 24-hour recall clause, and the former Exeter City 'keeper won't be allowed to play for Truro in the FA Cup or FA Trophy.
There is still some last-minute action as other BSP clubs try to beef up their squads as the new season approaches.
Former Exeter City midfielder Jon Challinor has just completed a move from Rushden & Diamonds to local rivals Cambridge United.
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