Matsos finds it uncomfortable to discuss player-recruitment policy for next year until his own fate is settled and he'd like to sign on the dotted line as early as this week.

Last night's home defeat suffered by Coventry Blaze puts his side within four points of the leaders, which will further strengthen his case.

If the finances can be settled, it seems likely his employers will grant his wish shortly.

Matsos said: "I don't have a deal here for next year, so it would be unfair of me to touch on recruitment.

"If it is to be me building a team, then I would have to be here! Until that happens, we'll all just be sitting on our hands.

"I hope it can be settled this week, I know Bob and Mike O'Connor (general manager) appreciate what I have done here.

"My heart is in Sheffield, I am not looking to stray anywhere. We have got a home now, my family is content, it's a perfect fit for us.

"And I think we are starting to get it right. We've talked about not being able to build a dynasty over night. I've had the time and I think we are making great strides to building a great hockey club again.

"I'm very hopeful that I will end up here again next year, I don't see a reason why not."

What do you think? Post your comments below.

Matsos said continuity was a massive element of success and hinted that the vast majority of this year's squad would be invited back if he remains leader.

On Saturday, a disappointingly-low crowd of 3,495 watched Tait's re-discovered touch give Steelers the lead after three minutes.

In one lightning-fast move he collected the puck in the slot and wrist-shot low past Scott Fankhouser's right skate.

Phoenix's roster features some big imposing players and some slick, quick smaller ones and could have scored themselves when Joe Tallari escaped Mark Thomas on the boards and forced a save from Jody Lehman.

Matsos later criticised some of the early defending as reckless.

Tony Hand elected to pass when a shot seemed preferable in another let-off while Luke Stauffacher back-handed over the crossbar.

But it was Sheffield's name that went on the scoreboard again, Fankhouser perhaps at fault for not blocking Ryan Finnerty's charge from the left flank, at 16;50.

Tait started the middle period as he had the first, with shots on goal. It became almost a personal duel with Fankhouser, who repelled three drives.

But he couldn't do much about his fourth attempt of the period, a blinding first-time shot from an inviting Dan Tessier pass.

At 3-0, Sheffield looked mighty comfortable and Jonathan Phillips hit a post, although Phoenix managed to score on a well-worked Power Play, at 37;25, through Scott Basiuk.

However it took Steelers just 24 seconds to re-assert themselves.

Tessier, who'd appeared to be off-side earlier in the move, finished off a Randy Dagenais pass for 4-1.

Manchester had to increase offensive output in third and kept Lehman busy, forcing three saves from Stauffacher, Tallari and Basiuk.

And Hand made up for his shot-shy earlier decision by shooting when a pass looked favourite - fooling Lehman to bring Phoenix within two goals of their hosts.

But, like the second period, Steelers countered instantly, Tait sealing his hat-trick at 55;05.

The only ugly incident was a centre-ice hit by Stauffacher on Tessier, which while not penalised by referee Hanson, later led Tessier to accuse his opponent of deliberately aiming for his knee.

Steelers host champions-elect Coventry at home on Wednesday.

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