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Boothroyd ready to get back in action

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Luke Boothroyd has described his injury layoff as “incredibly difficult” – but he’s looking forwarding to claiming more silverware with Manchester Phoenix next season.

The defenceman, who has twice won the EPL title with Manchester, was revealed as a returnee during Wednesday evening’s packed public meeting in the city centre.

He will again take up a role in the Phoenix rearguard, as the club prepares for a new future away from their former Oakfield Road home.

And following that extended period out of the side with a hand injury, Boothroyd will be raring to go when the new English Premier League campaign starts.

He said: “It was very hard last season and I just wanted to be out there on the ice, helping the lads get results. We coped well with a short bench last year, but I missed being part of the team and it was incredibly difficult to watch each game.

“The league is developing all the time and will be even more competitive next season. That is going to be great for both players and supporters.

“In Manchester, we seem to grind out results and really persevere, especially when the odds aren’t in our favour. So whilst people may be writing us off, I am confident that we’ll be successful and continue to win trophies.

“I'm very excited for the new season, given that I missed half of last year. I’m itching to get back on the ice and in a strange way, the injury has fuelled my motivated to come back and be a better player.”

That injury to Boothroyd’s hand even saw him attempt an early comeback, although he was eventually forced to sit out the rest of the season.

He added: “It was fairly severe, in that it has taken longer than anticipated in rehab. But barring anything drastic and unforeseen, I should be more than ready in September.

“I had to adapt my workouts, so I began running as well as riding the bike. Thankfully, I have been able to continue most of my lower body training.

“I’ve been doing a lot of squats, lunges and sprints, as well as core work amongst the aerobic training.”

That continued presence will have given him the chance to make an immediate return to full time action – and he’s already targeted an increased points haul.

“As a defenceman, I will of course need to play a strong defensive game,” Boothroyd said.

“But I think nowadays, the guys in defence also need to contribute at both ends of the ice. For me personally, I want to try and jump into the play a bit more offensively and put some points up.”

Impressive performances in a Phoenix shirt - and before that with Hull Stingrays - saw the 28-year-old called up for Great Britain senior duty in 2007 and 2013.

A return to that level would be a “privilege” for Boothroyd, although he is concentrating on further honours with the Phoenix.

“While I never set playing for GB as a goal, if I have a good season and they asked, I’d be very humbled,” he said.

“GB is something that is a privilege and I would grasp the opportunity again. It is tough being in the EPL, as it feels that sometimes, some of the guys get overlooked.

“But I am concentrating on winning things with Manchester and if a GB call comes up as a bonus, I’ll be excited for that chance.”