Aaron Fox Will make Sheffield Steelers EIHL champions again...

[smbmetal]

Also one that’s lost it’s willingness to put its hand in its pocket, Vallerands lower overall points last season will of reduced his wages the same for Connolly last season, at times it feels like a book balancing exercise by the club, not one that thinks we need better therefore we may after spend a little bit more from the profits to get the quality we need. Judging by Glasgows rumoured signings the new owners there seem to want to succeed in lieu of Neil blacks failed tenure.

If we fail again this season questions need to be asked, not just in the coaching capacity but also the ownership. If financially we’re at our ceiling could outside investment be an option all ifs and buts at the moment but so far I’m quite underwhelmed with the roster.

What I’d give for a top line of Roy, Forney and Fretter again but unfortunately players with them resumes are at a premium.

That could be a correct assessment.

The club also seems to believe when you listen to the media, Fox and club officials that we were only the odd positive bounce away from wining the league. We were miles behind Belfast even if the points tally did not necessarily show that. They wiped the floor in all but one head to head with us.

I called it in last October last year that we wouldn't be winning the league as many of us could see that we were no where near good enough, even that early in the season.

While ever the club believes that we were sooooooooo close and only need small tweaks, we will continue to be 2nd or 3rd best IMO.

Is 9 new players (roughly what it looks like at the moment) not enough? That's quite a big turnover. It suggests that even though there's comments about not being too far away, I'd say that's an admission that something needed to improve. Changing 4 players and I'd agree, but 9 is quite different.

Vallerand had 1 bad season, which was well documented as injury and illness ridden. He's literally second behind Conway in PPG in EIHL for players who've played more than 100 games. Yes age may start to come in to play, but given his injuries were not ones that often had big effects on players, I just don't understand the negativity. He's only 34, which these days is nothing if not had lots of bad injuries.

Honestly feels like a few people have made up their minds with not even half the team announced and some before we'd signed anyone. If that's the case then I'm sure we could sign Makar, Crosby and Ovechkin and people would moan that Makar is too offensive, and Crosby and Ovechkin are too old

I've certainty made up my mind.

I lost confidence in Fox last season and do not believe he will change his methods, even if we sign another 30 players we'll sign another bang average team who will beat the lower budget teams but struggle against the likes of Belfast and Cardiff.

Supposedly physical players don't play with a physical edge under Fox IMO. Kevin Tansey looks like that type of player, but he'll have to temper that side of his game pretty much straight away as it's obvious under Fox that's not the way the Steelers play.

Fox has had plenty of time for me, much more than more successful coaches have had under this ownership that is for sure.

Happy to eat humble pie.

So what's the minimum expectations for a coach (any coach) to keep their job? Trophy a season? League min of every other year? It's not realistic when you have 5 teams, who all spend roughly the same on wages all with good hockey people as recruiters all looking to win.

I'm not trying to be difficult, but just thinking about wider context. I'm also not saying that we can go another year without a trophy without a coaching change, so I'm equally not blind to what has been the outcome of the last 2 seasons

My expectations are not necessarily all about winning silverware. Completely agree it's not easy to win trophy after trophy, although Belfast are managing that nearly every season. Current Grand-Slam champions anyone? It's about whether I personally think the hockey is a good watch and value for money.

Under Fox, certainly for last season, I can count the great games on one hand.....it's no better than the garbage PT served up and arguably even less successful. The 2nd half of last season was a dire watch.

I also think the club have lost their ambition. Take the turning down of the Conti Cup place as an example. Didn't seem to bother Cardiff who happily took that place instead, that's cause they've got some ambition.

Sheffield Steelers used to be about in your face win at all costs hockey, now it's like I was at most sports......"Never mind, it's the taking part that counts"

The Sheffield Steelers are a shadow of their former selves and will continue to be so under Fox.

Whilst it's of course early, none of the new signings so far have got me excited for the new season.

[ginger]

Final post from me on this, as think we're all going in circles somewhat and no intention to rile anyone up.

Belfast have been good the past few seasons but did nothing for a few years before. Cardiff have had a good few years under Lord, and whilst managing to sneak the playoffs the other year, have not done anything else since he went. It goes in cycles, which is unsurprising when there are a number of teams who can be competitive. I'd argue post Covid that's got even more competitive so just going to make it tougher.

I do think some really believe Tony Smith doesn't want to win. I still believe that's absolutely ridiculous, as wouldn't that potentially push our attendance to closer to weekly sell outs?

Conti cup was disappointing but given do not know what was the full details, we have to trust that decision was made for the right reasons.