Manchester Phoenix have announced that Tony Hand MBE has agreed a year’s extension to his contract and will be with the club for at least the next three years as head coach.

Phenix MD Neil Morris said he was “over the moon” at the news.

Morris said: “The commitment Tony has shown to the club is second to none. We have a special relationship and have come through all sorts of trials and tribulations to get to where we are today. Who can forget the logistical nightmare of playing “home away from home” at Deeside and Ice Sheffield while waiting for the Dome to be finished and the injury situation for the last two years that would try the patience of a saint? We have come through it all and put a competitive team out every game and, with Tony at the helm, will continue to do so.”

Coach Hand said: “I enjoy working in Manchester. Phoenix are an excellent club and Neil and I have a very good working relationship. He deals with the business side and I deal with the team. It’s a good job and the organisation is very professional. The fans are fantastic and turn up in numbers every week home and away.

"I did have offers elsewhere but am committed to Manchester Phoenix for the next three years. The team is going from strength to strength and, but for the injury situation, I am positive we would have had a better shot at the title. Recruitment is coming along nicely; we are just finalising some details at the moment for next season and we will have a strong, competitive and entertaining squad again next year.”