Failure drives Matsos on to build again at Steelers

The 2009 Elite League championship and play-off double winners produced a limp defence of their titles, finishing fifth in the regular season before exiting the post-season at the first hurdle at the weekend following a 9-5 aggregate defeat to Cardiff Devils.

Negotiations will now ensue with players on the current roster who Matsos wishes to retain, although he has promised major changes ahead of the 2010-11 season.

"Not making the play-off finals weekend was a failure, as was not winning the league again," said Matsos.

"We were a fifth-placed team this year – we can't escape that – and there are areas where we need to upgrade.

"The way things have panned out this season has hurt me – I hate losing. From a coaching standpoint, it has been a steep learning curve and I will only come out better from this."

Some supporters have called for Matsos to be replaced – only a year after delivering the double – but the 36-year-old Canadian said he was determined to remain in Sheffield to put together another winning team.

"I know what I am capable of as a coach," said Matsos. "The challenge of coming back next season is even sweeter for me.

"The fact we didn't do as well this year doesn't mean I'm a bad coach all of a sudden.

"I've been talking to players for some time now about next season and I won't be taking any time off until the team is sorted."