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Mark Thomas wants to reward Manchester Phoenix fans with the English Premier League title

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Mark Thomas wants to reward Manchester Phoenix fans with the English Premier League title, after he returned to the first club of his glittering senior career.

Thomas, 31, agreed terms to join Manchester next season, following ten successful years with Sheffield Steelers and the Great Britain senior side.

The experienced defenceman will join a Phoenix line-up that already includes 2014 EPL winners Stephen Fone, Robin Kovar and James Archer.

His first full season of senior ice hockey in 2003 co-incided with the formation of Manchester Phoenix – and he’s keen to make his long-awaited return.

“I’m really looking forward to playing for Manchester Phoenix again,” Thomas said.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the league and I’ve spoken to Tony quite a lot about the move. I know a few guys who play in the EPL, so I’ll be happy just to get going.

“I won’t be commuting as much, so it will be good to spend more time with my family.

“This club gave me my first big chance and I am very thankful for that. I want to come back and hopefully win the title. It will be a lot of hard work, but I know Tony has been doing a lot of recruiting."

Thomas has already spent time with the Phoenix players as part of his summer fitness programme – and was given an insight into the club’s plans.

He added: “I’ve trained with Foney and some of the other guys during the summer, which is something I’ve done for a few years.

“Of course, I have spoken with the guys about next season and they’re confident as well. It looks like the club is putting a good team together and we’ll have a good chance.”

The three-time EIHL winner, and knockout cup champion, believes Phoenix fans will remain faithful to the club, despite a summer of concerns over its Oakfield Road home.

“You read a lot of things, but it is a very long summer and things can turn around quickly,” he said.

“As a player, it doesn’t really affect me, where we are playing. For me, this club is home and somewhere I always wanted to come back to.”