Payette confident about Steeldogs’ potential

Like the Steeldogs, Swindon exited the post-season at the first hurdle after finishing 10 points clear of their South Yorkshire rivals in the regular season.

Both have been busy recruiting during the summer and while Payette has raided his former club Manchester Phoenix for a handful of new faces, Swindon’s player-coach Ryan Aldridge has mainly plundered the roster of rivals Bracknell Bees to upgrade his own squad.

Forward Michal Pinc is one of three former Bees favourites to switch to the ambitious Wiltshire club, with fellow Czech Jaroslav Cesky and winger Nicky Watt joining him. Between them, they racked up 248 points for Bracknell last season, including 91 goals. Pinc led the way with 100 points - including 38 goals - and finished fourth overall in the EPL scoring list.

Perhaps the most significant signing made by Swindon, though, will be off the ice, with Pete Russell returning to the club after parting company with Slough Jets at the end of last season.

The combination of proven forward flair and a widely-respected coach backing up Aldridge leads Payette to believe that Swindon will be pushing hard for a top-four finish come the end of the season.

“Swindon have got to be one of the most improved teams in the league,” said Payette.

“Bringing in Cesky and Pinc is a big upgrade for them and having Pete Russell on their bench is going to make such a huge difference.

“I fancy them to be in or around the top four this season and it’s going to be a really good test for my players, but they’ll be up for it.”

The Steeldogs - who last week secured a new title sponsor in Kalcrest Site Services - completed their pre-season preparations with an 8-5 ‘Roses’ defeat over two legs against defending EPL champions Manchester Phoenix last weekend.

Coming on the back of impressive performances against Elite League outfits Sheffield Steelers and Hull Stingrays - two clubs Payette has been developing a close working relationship with over the summer - it leaves the Steeldogs’ boss in positive mood ahead of Friday night’s trip to Swindon.

“I’ve been really pleased with the way our pre-season has gone,” added Payette.

“I’m looking for four points this weekend - you have to approach things that way. It’s really important for our team to develop a winning mentality and that will hopefully begin this Friday.

“We really put the effort in against Manchester last week which pleased me and we need to make sure we carry that approach through to this weekend.”

After Friday’s opener in Swindon, the Steeldogs will welcome their hosts to Ice Sheffield on Sunday night. Face-off will be at 5.30pm and tickets can be bought on the night priced as follows: Adult £9; Concession £6.50; Child (Under-16s) £3.50; Under-8s Free; Family £20.