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Jimmy Archer... Jimmy Archer...

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J Davidson sponsored “Men of Iron” Manchester Phoenix made their second signing for the 2015/16 season when British Forward James Archer re-signed. Next season will be Archer’s sixth with the Phoenix and Coach Tony Hand will continue to call on the experience offered by his assistant captain.

The Yorkshire born forward collected 26 points last year, despite missing nine weeks through injury, as Phoenix reached the finals of both the British Challenge Cup and the EPL play-offs.

James said of his return: “I know there has been some things flying around about Phoenix since the play-offs but signing for the club was a no-brainer for me. I know what the club, Tony and Neil are all about and had no hesitation coming back. They are a good organisation and look after their players really well. After an injury hit season last year, I am really looking forward to getting ready for the new campaign and cannot wait for September.”

Phoenix coach Tony Hand insists the stability offered by James will prove crucial during the upcoming English Premier League campaign.

He said:“ Guys like James will offer stability to our side and that is going to be massively important to us. He is a great powerhouse forward who will work for the puck all night long. These sort of players don’t just wait for the game to come to them. They will get into the corners, dig out the puck and make things happen. I am very pleased James is returning.”

Archer’s presence off the ice made him a key member of Manchester’s close-knit squad last season and that was a major draw for the Phoenix chief. 

Tony continued: “Having a player who brings a lot to the changing room can make such a difference to a squad. James is quite vociferous, but he can also bring a smile out of the players around him. Having a string core of solid British players is the cornerstone of any successful team.”

Phoenix owner Neil Morris, meanwhile expects Archer to once again become an integral part of that senior group of players.

Neil said: “Together with guys like Stephen Fone, James is helping us to build a platform of stalwarts who can bring structure to the team. That is so important to us. He has been here for five seasons and sums up everything about this club. He works hard, scores goals and buys into what we are doing here at Phoenix. He is a great signing for us.”

James has also been picked to represent Great Britain in the In Line Hockey World Championships in Finland in July. The team are all self-funded and he is looking for sponsorship for the team to aid their attempt at establishing themselves in the top group at the Championships.

James said: “ It is a great honour to represent Great Britain at in-line. I was picked last year and it is fantastic to play with and against great players in the sport. Any help you guys can give to the team would be most appreciated . I have set up a page for donations at dt.gofund.me/scf3rg Thanks everybody”