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Sort it out or you will risk losing players
STEELERS' top goalscorer Joey Talbot has admitted publicly that he and other skaters are considering quitting Sheffield because of uncertainty over the future of the club.
The Star revealed recently that the Canadian forward was troubled by the problems which started when the club's operating company Yorkshire Sport went bust.
Now, as the ice hockey community on this side of the Atlantic waits for owner Bob Phillips to confirm he is selling the club, Talbot admitted that he and other imports may have to walk away unless things are settled quickly and professionally.
Speaking from Canada, Talbot told us: "I have been keeping up with all the news on The Star (website) and getting random emails from the some of the guys on your side of the pond.
"It really is a mess over there right now and it will be nice to see some normality back into the organisation.
"When (general manager) Mike O'Connor, (head coach) Dave Matsos and (PR official) Dave Simms left that was a real eye opener for me.
"I realised that something is really wrong with the Sheffield Steelers and it worried me to the point were you had to really think about how this team is going to be run next year" said the 30-year-old shooter.
"Without a coach and general manager at this point of the year, can we even field a competitive team?
"Are we going to get paid on time, get the equipment we need?
"Nobody wants to leave Sheffield but if a situation like that comes around you have to look out for yourself and your family first.
"I do think that this whole ordeal will leave a black eye on the club's record. I just hope that the fans don't stop coming to the game due to this blunder, because if we want to turn this situation around the team is going to need all he support we can get" said Talbot, who has had two excellent seasons at Sheffield.
"As for leaving I would be lying if I wasn't thinking about it.
"But I don't want to get into it any further than that due to the situation that is still in progress right now.
"The reality is that the business side of the organisation failed for some reason; things need to change fast to get this right again before we lose a season over it.
"I also feel like if something doesn't get done very soon that players will start to move on to other teams because of the uncertainty of the Steelers' organisation.
"Lets get something done so we can get back to work "If Bob can't afford the team lets get someone that can."
Sheffield's oddly named new club the Steeldogs (formerly Scimitars) say they have the ambition to be a "competitive force in the EPL" in the coming season.
The club has retained goaltender Ben Bowns, who recorded a 90.37% save average over 21 games last season. A spokesman said: "This is a massive signing for us. Bowns is passionate about Sheffield and didn't want to leave he is focussed and he always give 100%. Ben sees the ice well and has a great repertoire of save techniques and is a big, solid shot stopper who makes the first save using great technique and has the natural ability and was the stand-out goalie in many peoples eyes last season, one being that of Tony Hand, MBE and head coach of Manchester Phoenix.
"His fantastic attitude have made him a firm favourite with fans, team-mates and coaching staff at every level he has played at. Steeldogs have also signed two new players moving up from the ENL Spartans, Scott Morris and Craig Elliott
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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