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Summer update with Neil Morris

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Jim “Tambo” Piper met the J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix MD Neil Morris to get his thoughts on the close season so far.

Neil, when the euphoria settled after our championship win, did you get time to have a break before the rigours of preparing for 2011/12?

“Yes, I manage to escape on an aeroplane at least once a year. With running two businesses, one being Phoenix of course, I need seclusion and tranquillity to chill out and re-charge the batteries every now and again. I usually have a leisurely breakfast, then a couple of hours on the laptop in the morning, then the rest of the time is just relaxing.”

Now you are back in the hot seat, how do you see the recruiting going? Has it been different from previous seasons?

“Very much so. I have had a lot of discussions with Tony Hand over the makeup of a squad to hold on to our title. It is harder as we are on top and everybody wants to knock us off. Other teams will improve and we have to match it. Defending the title on the same budget as last season will be difficult but both Tony and I believe we are putting together a squad that will be able to do this.”

A little birdie in the office told me season tickets sales are going well. Can you expand on that?

“Yep, things are on target. As of the end of last week we have sold 350 season tickets. This is up on the same time last year. Our early bird promotion still has a few weeks to run, so why don’t you save yourself some money this season and have your very own seat to watch the Phoenix defend their silverware, be quick though to take advantage of the “Early Bird offer”.

We lost 3 players to the Steeldogs. Was that a blow to the plans?

“It happens in hockey. It can be seen as a disadvantage or an opportunity. I look on it as an opportunity. It is challenging to work out how you can adapt to the situation in a positive way. No disrespect to those who have left, they all did a fantastic job for Phoenix, but we believe we will replace them with players who will serve the team better.”

There has been a change in backroom staff this summer. Are you seeing a difference in theway some tasks are being carried out?

“We have had a bit of a re-shuffle and brought in some good people. Communication is very important and we are continually seeking to get the balance right on media work and communication. We have tried bringing in expensive people, talented people and enthusiastic people. All worked to a certain extent without having the correct balance. I am seeing positives in the changes and that, of course, will flourish even more as those in post gain valuable experience.”

Phoenix TV. There is a lot of positive feedback coming back about the programme. How do you see it going?

“It is very much a work in progress. I am really pleased that a group of people have come together and given up a lot of their time to produce the programme.You must remember that, while there are no professional media people on the crew, there is plenty of professional advice and feedback from both internal and external sources to guide them through the process.

“We have a media academy within the Comtec environment and it is already producing quality multimedia creatives. It is a credit to the organisation that the first person to graduate through the academy is now a full time employee of Comtec. Phoenix TV is a great outlet to showcase their talents as well as keeping the hockey world informed as to what is happening at the club.”

Back to the team. The roster is filling up nicely. Can you give the fans any news on the two remaining imports?

“The two imports we need are very important to the squad dynamics. It is, and has been, a difficult process with both players needing to be role-specific. Because of this, Tony has been taking his time and thoroughly researching players. I can tell you that we have lost a couple of targets, but that is not uncommon in hockey.

“We are at an advanced stage in talks with a forward. The club he was at last season held a speed competition. This guy gave the rest of the squad a 30yd start in a 100yd sprint and beat the lot of them. He is fast, believe me. Not a done deal yet but we are hopeful.

“We are still ploughing through options on the defenceman but again, we have irons in the fire.”

Finally,as owner, what are your hopes and aspirations for next season?

“That is an easy one Jim. I hope we can be as exciting as we were last season. Aspirations? Without putting any pressure on our coach, it has to be to retain our title.”

Do You Have a message for the fans?

“The Phoenix has risen, If you want a great night out for all the family filled with excitement, passion and hard hitting action, then why not join the English Champions with their quest to be the best entertainers in The Premier League.”

Thanks Neil, we all certainly hope both are achieved.