GAME THREAD: Steelers v Stars Sat/Sun, 23rd/24th April

[Doom]

In his first season with us I thought Fox recruited well and brought some respect back to our organisation after the shambles of the Thompson season.

My biggest concern going forward is where Fox recruits from. The majority of his signings are either players who have played for him or against him in Europe.

It's now 4 years since he last worked in mainland Europe, so he's going to be less in touch with the players there now.

Recruitment is probably 70% of the job. Does Fox have the contacts to recruit quality players from North America and Europe who he hasn't seen?

The Belfast Organisation have done a fantastic job on that front. Piccinich for example looked like a 15 to 20 goal player, but he's scored for fun this season. Belfast clearly realised his skating ability would make him.an outstanding player on our larger ice.....that's good Recruitment.

It's going to be an interesting Summer, because I'd be surprised to see more than 7 or 8 of our players return.

Fox should be judged on the team he puts together next season, but if he gets his recruitment wrong this time the 3 year contract will need ripping up.

Regards

Doom

[paul johnston]

Will Smith continue to be happy with O trophies when the crowds, 50/50; SOYB and merchandise sales remain so good though? I think he may do. He cares more about £££ in his pocket than success on the ice especially when it currently seems that he can have the important one to him without the other.
Will the money keep rolling in in these tough financial times without success. We will wait and see.
I cant see Fox being successful with his current recruitment and systems strategy. Again next year main target should be the league but to win that he needs to realise that we need some young hunger players with some jam that can compete when the going gets tough. Too often in those types of games we've come up short this year which has been so un-steeler like.
There's probably only been a handful of games this year where I've felt yeah that was a belter of a hockey game/performance. Its all been a bit meh.