In 2015, Red Hockey made a substantial investment in Manchester Phoenix. This investment was a minority position which was intended to help the owners of the club stabilise its immediate position, whilst long term security was found for the club.
It was never the intention that Red Hockey would take over the full ownership or operations of the club, and to date, Red Hockey has invested six figure amounts into Manchester.
When the unfortunate events of this summer occurred, Red Hockey stepped in and secured the club a temporary home at Deeside, whilst a new Manchester based location is found. 
Red Hockey have paid most of the club’s expenses at Deeside to date, without obligation to do so, and continue to provide ongoing administrative support services.
Red Hockey remains committed to securing the long term future of Manchester Phoenix and their return to the city, and we have identified a suitable site. Detailed negotiations are ongoing and we hope to have some good news for the fans soon.
One of the proposals which Red Hockey have put forward for Manchester to secure its own future, is to create a trust by which the fans can take an ownership interest in the club.
To that end Red Hockey has agreed in principle to donate 10% of its shareholding, and to sell additional shares at a substantial loss, to enable that to happen. That proposal is currently in the hands of Neil and the management team at Manchester.
Red Hockey has made it clear to Manchester that it intends to retain some equity in the club and will not divest itself entirely.
We are disappointed that the fans have been given reason to question Red Hockey’s commitment given all that we have done, and are privately doing in the background in to secure Manchester’s future.
Ordinarily, we do not feel it is our place to make public statements about clubs we are involved with, that is for the management team, but in this instance we felt it was only fair to the fans to clarify our position.
Red Hockey CEO Wayne Scholes said: –
“I am a dedicated sports fan and understand that the heart and soul of any club are its supporters. I am personally disappointed that Phoenix fans have been given cause to worry about our commitment to the club. My team and I are doing all we can to ensure that Manchester has a long term future and returns to its true home. I look forward to the day I walk into a central Manchester location to watch the Phoenix play.”
From the Manchester Website, Manchester CEO Neil Morris: –
“If Wayne had not stepped in last season and bought shares in the club, there would probably not be a Phoenix any more. He is proud to be part of the Phoenix family and is actually in awe of the support this club gets.”
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