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Phoenix close to securing new venue

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Manchester Phoenix are "very close" to securing the long-term future of the club in a brand-new venue - that's the view of Red Hockey owner Wayne Scholes.

The English Premier League outfit is spending a season playing out of Deeside Ice Rink, after deciding to leave the temporary facility in Altrincham.

Bosses at the club - which is part-owned by Red Hockey - are now preparing for life in a new home close to Manchester city centre.

And Mr Scholes expects the Phoenix to starting moving into that new arena before the end of the season.

He said: "When Red Hockey made the decision to become part-owners of Manchester Phoenix, it was for the long-term benefit of ice hockey fans in the city.

"By giving the new arena our backing, we are showing Red Hockey is absolutely committed to the future of Manchester Phoenix. This club is a very special part of the British ice hockey scene. We invested in Manchester Phoenix and we take our investments seriously. For us it really is about building a sustainable future for the Phoenix and the great city of Manchester.

"We have secured the equipment to run an arena, and we're very close to agreeing terms on the ideal location with some great partners. We want to start making the move as soon as we can.

"By getting everything in place by the end of March, we can hit the ground running next year. This will make the club's new facility the premier venue for ice hockey in Manchester."

Phoenix owner, Neil Morris, has spent much of the summer securing agreements for the new rink and is delighted to see his efforts come to fruition.

"When we decided to move out of Altrincham, we knew it was for the greater good," he said.

"The Phoenix supporters are a very special group of people. They have come through so much recently and deserve some good news.

"The team is performing well in the league, and to see our plans for a rink come together is the icing on the cake. Red Hockey and Manchester Phoenix are working well together, as we knew we would.

"We have the development of ice hockey as a common bond and that just makes the future so much more exciting for the Red Hockey and Manchester Phoenix partnership. Phoenix are here to stay.

"The club partners are loyal and they will receive the benefits of that loyalty when we open a new venue that is dedicated to hockey and the community that we live and play in. It's an exciting time for fans, players and partners alike in Manchester."