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Big news For Phoenix

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Well it’s hectic here at the Manchester Phoenix HQ preparing for the big announcement and season tickets going on sale early next week. It has been a challenging couple of months, but Neil has never faltered in his efforts in getting the Phoenix home to Manchester where we belong.

Neil said “I can’t wait for all to be revealed, I know it’s been frustrating at times for the fans when we have not been able to give details about what’s going on in the background.”

He added “With it all now settled Tony and myself are now focusing on to what really matters, winning silverware, for the faithful. So, that means player signings for the 2016-17 season back in Manchester.”

First off we are bringing back one of the most experienced netminders in the league. Yorkshire born Stephen Fone has returned to Phoenix for the 8th season in a row. He has backstopped Phoenix to two championships, in 2010 and 2013, and a play off championship in 2012. He also made the EPL First All Star Team in 2010 and 2013.

Rotherham born 28-year-old Fone spent his teenage years representing Sheffield Raiders under 16, Sheffield Steelhawks under 19 before moving to the Midlands and the Solihull Barons in 2005. Where he caught the eye of Coventry Blaze, joining them as back up netminder the following season . His three years with the Blaze’s also included loan spells at Romford, Basingstoke and Manchester Phoenix before moving permanently to us. Since then he has clocked up over 350 games for the club.

Coach Tony Hand made reference to the need for youth development in the team and with that in mind has signed another Yorkshireman, 17 year old D man Lewis Baldwin joins us from Bradford Bulldogs after a successful NIHL2 season scoring 5 goals and 9 assists. I am sure many remember him guesting for us in Sheffield and looking assured after a few talks with his blue line colleagues.

He started in the under 16 Bulldogs team and was awarded the captaincy in 2014 at the age of 15.

Coach Hand commented: “He came and played for us in Sheffield to help out our short bench and did a great job for the team.”

Keep a look out for the big announcement on manchesterphoenix.co.uk   .