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Under the spotlight - Andy Costigan, Phoenix General Manager

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Richard Allan caught up with Andy Costigan to talk about the progress the club is making in the off-season.

Richard Allan:
First things first, congratulations on your appointment as full-time General Manager of the Manchester Phoenix.  How much more work have you just let yourself in for?

Andy Costigan:
Thanks Richard, and I guess you could say a whole lot more than I first envisaged. It's a total change of direction for myself having spent a lifetime in the automotive industry, but a challenge I've been looking for. Like everyone else, it's easy to get into a 'comfort zone' and to some degree bored and so this new set of circumstances of greater involvement with the club is a big move for me personally.

RA:
We're now about halfway through the off-season, and so far the confirmed Phoenix line-up for the new season consists of returnees Scott Basiuk and Simon Mangos in defence, and forwards Tony Hand, Adam Walker and Matt Rich.  Joining the team are netminder Aran Fox and forward Rhys McWilliams.  Five Brits from seven players, has Tony made signing Brits his priority this season?

AC:
Yes and no actually. At the end of the season, Tony already had an idea of what he wanted to do in respect of British talent and it's probably fair to say, that it has pretty much panned out the way he envisaged. Some of the other teams moved really quickly to tie up players and we could have gotten involved in that chase, but Tony decided the route we've gone. Adam and Matt proved their worth last season, Aran is a promising local prospect and Rhys came well recommended by his former coach. And with Tony making his decision to play on, we have youth, enthusiasm and the most experienced and respected on call.

RA:
The recent Phoenix Fan Call dropped hints at a new player and a returnee to be announced soon.  Any hints on who is set to be announced?

AC:
We are very confident of seeing everything finalised ready for announcement this week on a new player not only to the Phoenix, but to British hockey. Tony is quietly confident that the player will be a major addition to the squad and I agree. After the initial research we did we were pleased, but a reference from someone we've used before spoke highly of the player, and that just about clinched things. As for the returnee, we think the fan base will be pleased with this guy coming back and the Sports Cafe date will be the ideal opportunity for Tony to reveal the name.

RA:
The past few weeks have seen former Phoenix players Derek Campbell and Johan Molin both sign for other Elite League teams.  Were they targets to be retained by Phoenix, and if so, how come they got away from us?

AC:
At the end of each season, you're always keen to retain the players who made a big impact and who could be classed as 'game-breakers' and in the same vein, we review the budget from last season in every area and look towards the future. When we talk about budgets, these encompass every financial commitment that the club has, not just the players salary budget. Whilst certain areas of the club budget have seen the goalposts move, we have not restricted the ability Tony has in respect of players. The bmibaby Elite League operates a wage cap structure and we work within and upto the maximum permitted level.
 
Both Johan and Soupy certainly made an impact and broke open a few games. Derek made no secret of his desire to try and secure an education package if he were to return to the UK and at the time we spoke with him, we had no such option open to us. He is good friends with Andre Payette in Newcastle and with the Vipers having a local college deal in place, it was no surprise that Derek signed there.
 
As for Johan, we made it clear before he went home that we wanted to talk to him and he was fine about it. We looked at the budgets and made, what we believed to be for a top quality first-line player, a very attractive offer. He asked for a little time to consider our offer and we agreed as we felt he had enjoyed his time with the Phoenix and that to push too hard, too early could force his hand the wrong way. We knew other clubs were sniffing around him and had done so even before the end of the season, but having tabled an increased offer on last season, we were hopeful of him re-signing. As everyone is now aware, Nottingham clinched his signature and we can only summise that their offer was significantly better than ours. Whatever the factors that convinced Johan to move, we know he was happy here and we were happy with him. If Nottingham have surpassed our best offer, then we can hardly blame Johan. He has to do the best he can for his family and whilst, disappointed at losing him, we'll welcome both he and Derek back on their return visits to the Ice Dome.

RA:
This September we will see a resurrection of the 'War Of The Roses' pre-season games, with a double-header weekend against the Sheffield Steelers.  That's a potentially fiery start to the season, wouldn't you say?

AC:
Yep, but an ideal opportunity for two rivals to re-engage, for the Steelers to catch up on the other teams in terms of coming to our new home and an even greater opportunity for a first "full house." Dave Matsos appears to have recruited well and we're pleased with the way our recruiting is going so yeah, a double-header with Simmsey and Co should be a belter to open the new season with, ahead of the actual league fixtures beginning.

RA:
Last season we moved into the new Altrincham Ice Dome, a facility so new that we moved in before it was finished!  Will the rest of the seating and facilities be installed before the start of the new season?

AC:
In terms of where we finished and where we need to get,  the Phoenix now have their own laundry room, the team office is nearly finished, the White Magic shop is operational and proving a great attraction for all manner of skaters. Right now, the emphasis is on the ice surface and getting the base beneath it levelled prior to re-painting and re-flooding. As for the other major aims of seating, catering, bar and hospitality suite... the seating is due to be installed in August and research on the best options for catering is due in any day now. As for a bar and a hospitality suite, they are key areas that again the plans for which are not entirely finalised, but are very definitely on the "things to do" list for the start of the season.

RA:
The Phoenix organisation seems to be branching out in bold new directions, with the announcement of the trials for the new ENIHL Phoenix squad.  How important is it for the organisation to bring in a team at this level?

AC:
The application to the EIHA to operate an ENIHL team is an important avenue as the aim is to provide the link between the Junior club and the senior team AND provide an avenue for players passing 18-years of age to continue to play competitive hockey. Players reaching that age level who might not be ready to make the step-up to the full senior team will still be 'under review' as regular contact between the coaching staff will afford an opportunity for players to be called upon in various circumstances.

RA:
Are you sure you can't drop any hints about the new signings?

AC:
We've been here before on this question Richard. I can tell you, course I can... but then I'd have to shoot you, so it's your call!

Andy Costigan was interviewed on Wednesday 20th June.