Dave Hibbert calls on AFC Telford to stay in shape over festive period
AFC Telford United hitman Dave Hibbert has sent a warning to team-mates stating they must look after themselves as the Christmas period looms.
Hibbert, who is currently nursing his knee injury, spent nine years as a pro and is well-accustomed to no extra turkey or glasses of sherry come December 25.
While many of the 30-year-old's fellow Bucks players haven't the footballing background of Hibbert, the ex-Shrewsbury man claims that semi-professional footballers must keep themselves in-line with responsibilities of a Boxing Day 3pm clash and further fixtures.
"It's a busy time for the pro boys," said Hibbert. "I remember training on Christmas Day, staying in hotels and travelling.
"But now I'm still watching the food and what you eat and drink. You have a job to do. You can't be drinking and have to stick to your usual preparation and not eating too many puddings!
"The lads have got to do it. In non-league there is no-one there to look after you, you've got to do it yourself. No-one will tell you. You have to be professional, committed and to know you're feeling right."
Hibbert's Boxing Day preparation was scuppered last year due to an illness to one of his daughters on Christmas Day.
Telford are at FC Halifax Town in the National League North today, while they have a festive double-header home and away against Alfreton Town on Boxing Day and New Year's Day respectively.
This time around, the Bucks are enjoying sessions put on by a former opponent of the striker in Gavin Cowan.
Cowan, another former Salop man, left Greenhous Meadow five months before Hibbert's arrival in 2007, but the duo still share professional memories.
"Gav will never forget about me, literally," smiled the striker.
"I was at Preston and he was with Shrews. I was running the channels when I used to be quick and he couldn't keep up with me, he got his finger stuck in my shirt and dislocated it.
"His finger's still bent to this day.
"He's been great for the boys. He's another voice and the younger lads have really taken to him and he's earned their respect.
"There has been some really good sessions and good input from him. He was at Nuneaton and I contacted him after retiring about getting back into the game.
"It's thanks to him I've had the chance to carry on playing the game."
