Bob Phillips

SHEFFIELD, UK – Statement from Sheffield Steelers chairman Bob Phillips.
 
The last few weeks have been a torrid time for the Sheffield Steelers. After my management team resigned we were left in an incredible mess and with a whole lot of work to do to get ready for the coming season, we had no sponsors, no coach and no management.
 
Thanks to the dedication of several committed volunteers and other parties and after much hard work we have sorted the situation out and this club is now fit and ready to go in to the new season. We have an outstanding player in Ben Simon coming in to take over as player/coach and a well respected ex player in Neil Abel running the bench, Ben has been in contact with most of the players and has been given their commitment to return.
 
We have secured a new title sponsor to be announced shortly, a company with massive networking potential who are fully committed to seeing this club hit the ice come the start of the year. The oversees players’ international transfers have been applied for having now being able to access the UK Border Agency’s  sponsorship management system, we have been able to obtain work permits for all the players that need them. These players are now fully able to get on with applying for their visas, a process that that they should be able to complete in time to fly in on schedule. This club is now in a fit and proper state to start the new campaign.
 
Despite all this and our willingness to listen to offers to buy the club, there were no firm offers from any party, other than taking over the club for free; on that basis Maraini took the decision to again put money in to the club to see it in to the new season.
 
Today yet another obstacle has been laid in our path with the threat of a new petition being issued against me. In order to properly defend this action and to further protect the Sheffield Steelers and the Elite League I have decided to resign as Non Executive Chairman of the Sheffield Steelers with immediate effect. In order for the work to continue towards the new season the clubs owner Maraini Phillips will now assume the role of club GM starting today. The club will continue in its efforts to ensure that the right progress is made for us to start the new season and I stress that so far as the Sheffield Steelers are concerned it is business as usual. I now need to step back and defend myself against this seemingly endless barrage of claims.
 
My thanks go to all those who have seen through this personal campaign and come to the aid of the club over these last few weeks and when the season starts every single fan will owe you all a huge debt of gratitude. The club will go on, and Maraini is fully committed to seeing the changes we put in place necessary to put this club back on stable ground are carried through. It is going to be a good year in Sheffield for the Sheffield Steelers and I thank you all for your continued support through these difficult times.
 
Press Release ends:
 
Contact the Sheffield Steelers.
0114 2423535
 
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