MANCHESTER'S new ice hockey team is ready to reveal its name and its coach next week and former Storm boss Daryl Lipsey has already thrown his hat into the ring.

Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey has revealed that the investment package for the new team is in place and an official announcement is expected once a final, vital, agreement has been reached.

Andy Costigan, spokesman for FOMIH, said: 'We have had approaches from four high-calibre coaches and we will be interviewing next week when we could have an announcement.'

'Like the look of the league'

Lipsey, confirming he is one of them, added: 'My application is in there because I would love the chance to get back in charge of the team and bring some success back here.

'I'm impressed with the people who are running the club and I like the look of the new league. In a sense they will be taking a step back to move forward.

'The standard of player won't be as good but I've always said that we have to get more British kids in our teams and this is the way ahead.'

Lipsey was assistant coach of Manchester Storm under John Lawless, Kurt Kleinendorst and Terry Christensen before taking charge himself.

The team finished bottom of the league in his first season but he managed to turn things round and reached the Play-off final where they were pipped by Sheffield Steelers after a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out.

'Fans will come back'

Last season they were well-placed in the Superleague before owner Gary Cowan was forced to liquidate the club.

'What happened last season was not a good experience but it has not put me off,' said Lipsey.

'If we can get a good start to the season then I think the fans will start coming back but it's vital to get some wins on the board right from the start.

'If I don't get the job it's not the end of the world and I won't lose any sleep over it but I have to admit I would like to get back in there.'

The new team will compete in the new Elite Hockey League which hopes to have at least nine teams for the start of next season.

Would Lipsey be a good choice as coach? Have your say.

Tweet