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Phoenix MD excited about the new season

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix managing director Neil Morris gave his thoughts on the team recruiting and the strength of the English Premier league in an interview with the club’s press officer.

“Ever since I brought Tony Hand to the club, he has always employed a patient strategy to recruitment. This year has been no exception. In fact, even more so, as we have had a few setbacks in the process. It is hard to keep to a game plan on recruitment and, with the extra pressure of building a team to defend the title, patience has been the most important part.

“Press and fans alike exert their own brand of pressure to announce players quickly throughout the summer but Coach Hand has been resolute in his methods and taken as much time as necessary to ensure the correct players are brought in. You have to be careful not to lower standards due to not getting your first choice of player and need to continue the search for the quality identified in the first place.

“Take the backup netminder situation. This position is much harder to recruit than you think. The club is looking at 2 or 3 options but it is difficult to appoint a back up netminder without seeing them play. You can either look at bringing in a young player to develop or one who has a bit more experience. A difficult decision to make. There are some challenge games coming up and a decision will be made soon.

“We are not too far away from our remaining import signing to complete the roster. Final details are being ironed out and all being well we should be in a position to reveal the player soon on the Phoenix TV show.”

On to league matters and Neil had this to say about the challenges facing Phoenix next season:

“The league already looks stronger than last year. Bracknell, Swindon and Sheffield all look to have improved squads and that is before you even look at our perceived main rivals. Games against the lower half of the table are certainly going to be much tougher and no game can be considered as a gimme.

“The top teams are quite rightly setting out their stall to challenge for the title. We set a standard last season and Guildford, the Jets and Bison are all aiming to better it and take the title away from us. And don’t forget Milton Keynes, they are building quietly and will always make it tough for any team.

“Naturally, I think we are recruiting another exciting, entertaining team which is more than capable of defending our title. It is going to be a tough season and we are all looking forward to the challenge ahead.”