Simon quits champions Steelers over playing budget

Owner Paul Ragan claims he tried his upmost to keep the popular American at the Motorpopint Arena but Simon decided his future lies elsewhere.

The news will come as a blow to the majority of Steelers’ fans after Simon’s arrival during a time of crisis at the club last autumn preceded a return to on-ice success which led to the club’s third Elite League regular season title last month - a stark contrast to last season’s disappointing campaign under former coach Dave Matsos, who had previously led the team to a league and play-off double.

They were denied the chance to go for a third double when they were defeated 4-3 in overtime by the Nottingham Panthers in last weekend’s play-off semi-finals at the National Ice Centre.

Speculation over Simon’s future had been building for weeks after a series of talks had failed to bring about any breakthrough in a deal which would see him return for a second year.

It’s now clear that new owner Ragan’s desire to bring down Steelers’ playing budget for next season to be within the league’s supposed wage cap was a sticking point between the two parties.

Despite the club claiming he was offered the opportunity to become the best paid individual in the British game, Simon clearly felt it would leave him too short in terms of being able to afford to put together a roster that would be as competitive as the one which has just landed him a league title in his first season of coaching.

“We tried our level best to retain Ben,“ said Ragan as part of a statement issued on the Steelers’ website this morning.

“We made him various offers that would have seen him become the highest-paid person in the British game. When I arrived here I said I would do everything I could to keep Ben on and I did.”

The news has not gone down too well among some Steelers’ fans, who are concerned Ragan has allowed one of the club’s prime assets to leave too easily.

Following his side’s play-off disappointment, Simon had spoken briefly about his future at the club, insisting he still hoped some agreement could be reached, but pointed out the new wage cap adherence could prove difficult to accommodate.

“It would be fun to come back but it’s got to be under the right terms,” said Simon.

“I have a wife and two kids to think about and with the wage cap and everything, it’s tough being a player-coach and there is the dilemma that you can’t take too much of the pie, so to speak, and then not spend on your players.

“It’s not just about taking care of yourself, it’s about taking care of 17 other guys – it’s a tough balance.”