‘Super Dan’ signs on as Raiders enter ENL

ROMFORD, UK – The Romford Raiders have finally had their future confirmed following an EIHA meeting on Sunday.
 
The Raiders have been accepted into ENL South Division One, and will now compete with the likes of Chelmsford and Invicta.
 
To add to this good news, Romford also announced their player/coach for the season, legend Danny Marshall. Nicknamed ‘Super Dan’ by fans, this will be Marshall’s 18^th season appearing for the Raiders. He has consistently been one of the top Brits in the EPL, and his capture was a vital one for the Raiders. Though this is Danny’s first season officially coaching, he did help out in that position last season after Erskine Douglas left the club.
 
It has also been confirmed that former Romford owner Ollie Oliver will be back at the helm this season, with Mick Cahill continuing his role as team manager.
 
In a statement on the club’s website, Cahill said: “We’re particularly thrilled that Super Dan will be staying at home. Not for the first time, the uncertainty over Raiders’ future has had an impact on our recruitment plans but we are where we are, we’re now officially a team with a League to play in so we start from here.
 
“We thank the Romford supporters for their patience in what has been a frustrating time for them and an incredibly busy one for us behind the scenes. We think their patience will be rewarded and we hope we can count on the continued support of the best fans in the land,” he continued.

Ollie Oliver also released a statement, both explaining the club’s decision to leave the EPL and the sort of schedule that the Romford fans will have to look forward to. He said: “EPL was never going to be a starter when we realised that sponsorship was not going to be easy to obtain during a recession. We are hopeful though that potential sponsors who have shown interest in ENL1 will now help us out. I know a lot of you were hopeful that EPL was still achievable but as I have stated on numerous occasions this would only happen if the finances were in place and would guarantee us completing the season. Sitting around the table at the EIHA meeting today it would seem the competition is going to be good.
“We will be playing 20 home and 20 away games and there are plans for a cup competition which will involve Invicta, IOW, Chelmsford and two others although the cup competition is still to be confirmed by the EIHA. We also have the option on a Kent/Essex Cup. I can also announce I have been offered home games against a team from Finland who have amongst them many players you will know and who have played to a high standard in this country and abroad. All of these extra games are subject to being sanctioned by the EIHA and of course ice time availability.”
The Raiders will now start to build their team for the new season, though they have already received a blow with the news that impressive young forward Matt Turner will be playing for Chelmsford this season. Despite this setback, they must assemble the strongest possible team in order to bring some success back to Rom Valley Way.
Contact the author dave.lambert@prohockeynews.com