Published: Friday October 21, 2011
Pike brings Claridge out of retirement

Alex Pike has pulled off a managerial coup by tempting former Portsmouth favourite Steve Claridge out of retirement and into a Gosport shirt.

The 45 year-old striker has been signed as player/coach with Pike expecting him to impart some of his vast knowledge to the club's existing strikeforce as well as bringing his side some much needed punch in front of goal.

Claridge has wealth of experience behind him.  After growing up in Titchfield, he signed for Fareham Town before becoming a professional at AFC Bournemouth in 1984.

He then went on to have spells at Aldershot, Cambridge United, Birmingham City, Leicester City and Millwall to name but a few but he is best known the time he spent at Fratton Park where he scored 34 goals for Portsmouth between 1998 and 2001 and also had a spell as manager.

He also had two other managerial appointments Weymouth and a brief period at Millwall which lasted only 36 days.  More recently has made a few appearances in the non-league game at Worthing, Harrow Borough and Weymouth whilst also carving out a career as a football pundit for the BBC.

Steve will continue with his media commitments for the BBC but Pike believes that his commitment of one Saturday in four will not cause too many problems for the club.

"There are not many signings that excite me but when you speak to Steve and realise how fit and professional he still is, he can only be an asset to Gosport Borough," said Pike.

"Steve's arrival has already had a great effect in the dressing room as the whole squad at last night's training session raised their game.  It was a great session and I'm glad Steve was very impressed by the quality of our players and the club."

With James Taylor unavailable, Claridge is expected to go straight into the starting line-up for tomorrow's FA Trophy tie with Sholing (3pm).

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