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Thornton: Season has begun

Giants coach building roster for next campaign

By Neil Chiplen Last updated: 15th April 2009

Thornton: Realistic

I think we have got the best team in the league, just like Nottingham and Sheffield think they do.

Belfast Giants player-coach Steve Thornton has told skysports.com that he wants to re-sign the majority of his team for next season.

The double-winning coach is keen to improve on his first year in charge of the Giants, who captured both the Challenge Cup and British Knockout Cup.

Thornton, whose contract has been renewed by Belfast GM Todd Kelman, would like to keep the core of his side together, but admits it will be a tough task to bring back the majority of the roster that won two trophies.

"The day the season ended, the next day for me was the start of the new season," said Thornton, in an exclusive interview with skysports.com.

"It was a great year and I would love to re-sign the majority of my guys back and I am going to do what I can to do that, but I know how difficult it's going to be.

Swayed

"Firstly, because I think we have got the best team in the league, just like Nottingham and Sheffield think they do, and if we can get the majority of these guys back then we have got the chance to win something again."

However, the Giants are set to face stiff competition from bigger European leagues for star players like Paul Deniset, who may be swayed by more lucrative offers to jump to the continent.

Having played for several years in Europe himself, Thornton understands the situation and says that he won't stand in anyone's way.

"My guys had some great years individually and statistically so they're going to get interest from other leagues in Europe," Thornton continued.

"With the exchange rates the way they are it's going to be tough to hang on to these guys. I am not the type of guy who will hold guys back - if somebody wants to move on I'll do everything I can to help them.

"Because it is also good for the league and it is good for recruiting when guys can move on to other leagues and do well. You can use that as an incentive when you're talking to the next Paul Deniset."