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Manchester Phoenix Fans "can’t wait for the season to start"

Thursday, 11th June 2015

“We can’t wait for the season to start” – that’s the message from Manchester Phoenix supporters, following Wednesday night’s public meeting.

Fans heard from Phoenix owner Neil Morris about plans for the new English Premier League season, as well as Red Hockey CEO Wayne Scholes, via video link.

New signing Benjamin Russell was also unveiled to a busy meeting at The Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, while captain Luke Boothroyd told of his upcoming return from injury.

Danielle Spellman-Brown, who has been a fan for over ten years, said: “It's been really nice to get answers tonight, rather than having to rely on heresay. I’ve got every faith in Neil and Wayne, and I never really doubted them. Getting assurances was great and we can’t wait for the season to start.”

Fellow supporter Stuart, who has followed the club since it was formed, added: “Tonight clarifies a some of the stuff that has been going on and it is nice to hear about the plans. If we have to go on the road again, then so be it. We have done it before and we’ll do it again. It was also nice to get together with fellow fans during the summer and keep things ticking over.”

Ian Whatmore, who has also been a fan since the club started in 2003, is now looking forward to buying tickets for next season.

He said: “The meeting has been very informative and to be fair, they can’t tell us what they don’t know. I had been holding off committing my money, but I am a lot happier now, having heard from Neil and Wayne tonight. There was a lot of really good banter here and it has been nice to see everyone again. We’re like a big family.”

That was a sentiment echoed by Phoenix supporter Lorna, who said: “We’re more than just fans in a room. We’re a family and everyone sticks together, through thick and thin. It has been great to catch up with all the other fans, as well as get more information from Neil and the rest of the management.”

Long-term supporter Catherine Freeman, who attended the meeting with her partner Darren, added: “It’s really nice to catch up with friends and also hear from Neil and Wayne. I was one of the doubters, but I’m leaving here tonight very confident. Wherever we play next season, and hopefully it will be out of a rink in Manchester, we will be there.”

Neil Morris and Paul Baker

Neil Morris and Paul Baker, of Red Hockey, updated fans with the club's plans for 2015-16

The audience at the public meeting, many of them with their hands in the air

Hundreds of supporters attended the meeting


Manchester Phoenix Community Sports Foundation

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