Adams returns to help lift Steelers

The 35-year-old succeeds Doug Christiansen at the Motorpoint Arena after the American was sacked less than one year into a two-year deal earlier this month.

Adams spent two successful years as a defenceman with the Steelers between 2003-05, winning the double under Mike Blaisdell in 2004.

He left the Steelers for the Cardiff Devils before becoming player-coach for the 2006-07 season in South Wales, a role he kept until he was sacked earlier this season, despite getting the club to the play-off final four weekend every year.

He also took the Devils to within a whisker of their first Elite League title in 2010-2011 – a season which saw them set a world record of 22 consecutive league victories – finishing level on points with the Steelers only to be denied due to the South Yorkshire club having secured more regulation wins.

His new role with his former club is only until the end of the season, but the next few weeks no doubt offer him an ideal opportunity to ‘audition’ for the job on a long-term basis should he wish to remain in South Yorkshire.

“This is a great opportunity,” said Adams. “I came to the Steelers as a player all those years ago because I wanted to win. Nothing has changed. I’m back in Sheffield because I want to win.

“I thank the club for putting their trust in me and I won’t let them down. The Steelers have a great group of players – experienced and talented and I’m sure they are as desperate to win as I am.”

Owner Smith, who last night attended a fans’ forum during which he was asked to explain further his decision to sack Christiansen, believes in Adams he has acquired a coach of bringing back “exciting” hockey to a club now without a trophy since that 2011 league title under player-coach Ben Simon.

“I’m desperate to bring Steelers-style hockey back to Sheffield – a game played with both emotion and excitement,” said Smith.

“Gerad is a coach who both knows and understands that. I think the fans want that and I am 100 per cent with them.

“Gerad had those kind of teams in Cardiff and that was a crucial reason why we brought him in here.”

Adams will take his first practice session with his new charges today in preparation for Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Panthers, ahead of returning to home ice on Sunday when he will face former club Cardiff.