Farmer, Morgan and Gibson have committed to the Sheffield Scimitars for the 2009/10 season in the English Premier Ice Hockey League as the ambitious plans for the revival of the South Yorkshire Club starts in earnest!
A little over a week after his appointment as the new Head Coach of the Sheffield Scimitars, Jon Rowbotham has made his first signings for next season and has revealed his plans for getting the Scimitars to be challenging for the top honours, something he knows quite a bit about. The three players all featured in the Scimitars line-up last term and Rowbotham was delighted that they were all keen to re-sign for the EPL team.
The first name on his “wanted list” was last season’s highly regarded forward, Robert Farmer who has a new 2-year contract. Next up is the Scimitars dependable home-grown D-man, Ben Morgan who was Captain for the Scimitars last season and the third signing is another exciting prospect, Lloyd Gibson.
On announcing the signings Rowbotham said, “I worked with Farmer through the junior ranks for many years and have seen him progress. He wants to continue to learn and gain as much experience as possible by playing in the EPL. Robert has a vast array of skills and is a consistent points accumulator, which will be very welcome for the team.”
Farmer earned himself a great reputation last season and the Club has high hopes for this young forward. He is a no nonsense guy who likes to get his nose dirty in front of the net. Recently Farmer travelled to Estonia with Great Britain U18’s to compete in the World Championships where he won a gold medal and promotion to Division 1.
The re-signing of Morgan was another priority for Rowbotham who said, “Ben is a physically strong defenseman who possesses offensive capabilities and has become a player who is a ‘must have’ in the team. He sees the ice well and can create many offensive situations using his awareness of what is going on around him. A major part of his game is his defensive understanding and his ability to win most of the 50/50 battle situations due to his relentless nature. Morgan has achieved much over the years and although still a relatively young guy he has plenty more to do. I am very proud to have him on board”
Coming at the end of his first week in charge, Rowbotham clinched the signature of Gibson who recently represented the GB Universities team in China. He is a mix-role player, he can play both defence and offence to an equal standard and is a player that some say is a dying breed. Rowbotham said “I want Gibson to play on D this season and I will be working hard with him over the summer to help him reach his full potential in time for the start of the new season. Lloyd has an outstanding work ethic, is a good positional player with a’ never say die’ attitude who battles for the puck which is good for the team. He is another exciting young prospect and as defensemen don’t mature fully until around 26, he has time on his side so I am sure he will be a great signing for us”.
Rowbotham took-up his new post last Monday and spent the first few days getting his plan drawn-up for the forthcoming campaign. He has told the Club’s official website that he is really “fired-up” about his appointment and added “I have been really busy over the past week or so, scouting for players, negotiating player contracts and setting out my structure for the summer and pre- season. I have just finished my coaching system which will be utilised by the players next season and I hope to see them work hard over the summer on their overall conditioning ready for a fitness test in late July.”
The Sheffield Scimitars will be announcing further player appointments over the coming days and weeks in readiness for the new season which starts third week of September.
