Simon sees Abel as perfect partner

The American arrived in the UK yesterday to meet the club's owners and former Steelers' defenceman Abel, who has been brought in to assist the 32-year-old former NHL forward in what will be his first coaching role.

The two got to know each other on the drive up from London, with Simon declaring: "I think both of us are on the same page but he's not a 'yes man', which is actually what I need.

"I'd talked to Neil a couple of times on the telephone and he is an awesome guy.

"The drive up gave us an ideal chance to get to know each other and to catch up about a few things.

"I think Neil will prove invaluable, partiocularly in the first few months of me being over here.

"He's going to be a great tool for me to use while I'm here."

After meeting the owners face-to-face for some time, Simon will now begin the process of planning for the new season.

After Hull Stingrays' initial collapse, the 20/20 tournament scheduled for Sheffield Arena was postponed, meaning Steelers' first taste of competitive action will not be until Saturay, September 4 when they welcome Elite League Cardiff Devils to South Yorkshire.

Doubts remain among a section of supporters over the financial viability of a club which has gone through such upheaval during the summer with the liquidation of Steelers' operating company Yorkshire Sport in May being followed six weeks later by the resignation of the entire management team, including GM Mike O'Connor and head coach Dave Matsos.

After receiving no "suitable" offers to buy the club, owner Bob Phillips has since set about preparing for the new season, installing Simon as the new player-coach with Abel as his assistant, although rumours persist that a consortium remains keen to take control of the club.

Simon is well aware of the off-ice troubles but has already declared he is comfortable with the current situation and is eager to get to work with his players, the first of who should arrive for training sometime next week.

"I want to get everybody at this club on the same page," said Simon.

"There has been so much hoopla surrounding this team during the summer, but I feel a lot of it is unwarranted and unnecessary.

"There's been a lot of negativity surrounding the club but I don't read too much into that at all.

"I'm very confident going forward that the club can survive the season and, indeed, have a successful season."