Manchester Phoenix have re-signed experienced defenceman James Neil, as Head Coach Tony Hand looks to retain the core of his EPL title-winning squad.

And Jacob Corson-Heron will be handed extra responsibility next season, after he agreed terms for a third year.

Neil is the fourth member of that side to agree terms on another year in Manchester, following the return of Stephen Fone, Robin Kovar and James Archer.

The 25-year-old will be a senior member of the Phoenix line-up next season, having arrived from Nottingham Panthers as a youngster in 2009.

His role in Manchester’s title-winning campaign twelve months ago was a key reason behind Hand’s offer of a fresh deal.

Hand said: “Stability among the players is very important to everyone involved with the club.”

“The fact that we've brought back four members of the team that won the EPL title speaks volumes for their ability. James was a massive part of that squad and last season, matured into a very solid, dependable player. That was one of the reasons why I wanted him back."

“I expect him to continue that development during the upcoming year. The fact that James has been here for so long means he knows this club inside out. His experience will be extremely important.”

Hand’s player search has also brought Elite League winner Mark Thomas back to Manchester, following a decade with Sheffield Steelers.

And the Phoenix supremo be looking to continue that level of recruitment over coming weeks.

“The majority of players coming in this summer have got considerable experience of winning titles, he added. That winning mentality and work ethic is something you can’t just teach players, you have to earn it."

“We will be bringing in some young guys of course, and I want the experience of players like James to trickle down the squad.”

Corson-Heron earned cult status amongst Phoenix fans in March, when his goal against Basingstoke helped to confirm their place at the Coventry play-offs.

That strike was only his second of the season, as the 22-year-old continued to find his feet during an injury-ravaged EPL campaign. But with Hand having signed a string of experienced players this summer, Corson-Heron is expected to benefit from that so-called winning mentality.

Hand said: “Jacob is a wonderful young player, who with the right guidance can become a real asset for us. Like any 22-year-old, there are still things to learn, but that will come with time. Next season, I am hoping to give him a bigger role alongside some of our more experienced players. I have no doubt he will profit massively from that. Jacob’s goal in the play-off semi-final was an illustration of the potential he holds. That was such a huge goal for us."

“I want a squad of winners next season and Jacob will be an integral part of that. He might only be 22, but the fact that he’s won the EPL title twice is impressive.

"He’s got the right attitude to winning and that can only help us to improve on last year’s finish. The great thing about Jacob is that he is a total professional, on and off the ice. He’s one of the best team guys I have ever had.

“We were in the finals of both the British Challenge Cup and play-offs last season, but that isn’t good enough. I want our guys to collect winners’ medals next season.”