It’s all change again at the Vipers

Apr 4 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

VIPERS general manager Jaimie Longmuir admits the disruption to the squad in the last 12 months cost them a place at the Elite League Play-Off Finals Weekend, but he has warned supporters to expect another overhaul this summer.

For all their fine words in pre-season, the Vipers managed only a Challenge Cup semi-final berth and a play-off quarter-final.

Many of this season’s squad will not be wanted next term and with the club yet to confirm participation in next year’s Elite League because of problems with Newcastle Arena, keeping their better performers will be tricky, too.

“It was a disappointing campaign,” Longmuir admitted. “We were hoping for much better things, but for a whole host of different reasons it never happened.”

The problems started immediately. Summer signings Tyler Willis, Todd Griffith and Marek Ivan were gone by January, replaced at great expense by Jeff Hutchins, Ed Courtenay and Likit Andersson. “The top teams have continuity,” said Longmuir. “Sheffield changed two players for last year and the success was there for all to see.

“We’re always changing our roster. You don’t just want players coming for a year and then disappearing, if you get good quality players you want to keep them.

“We had three season-ending injuries this season but we did also make some changes. The hard work is done in the off-season, you’ve got to recruit the right guys and know what type of team you’re going to be. The hard work for next season starts now.” Despite his assessment, another disruptive summer beckons, particularly with Rob Wilson casting doubt over his future as coach last week.

“I think it’s fair to say there’ll be changes,” he said.

Whitley Warriors must beat Nottingham Lions tomorrow to qualify for the English National League’s own Play-Off Finals Weekend. The sides drew 4-4 in Whitley last week, so tomorrow’s winners face Sheffield or Coventry next week for the right to play southern opposition the following day.