Shropshire Star

Scott McKenzie back with TRS Telford Tigers

TRS Telford Tigers have made a surprise swoop to bring last season's top scorer Scott McKenzie back to the club.

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McKenzie left Tigers in the summer after two seasons to join Manchester Phoenix but is now set to re-join Tom Watkins' men after this weekend's games.

The returning forward will be a huge boost to a Tigers side that has struggled to find the net over the last few weeks. McKenzie had a record of 55 goals and 65 assists in his previous spell with the club.

Player-coach Watkins said: "He brings us some quality we need."

TRS Telford Tigers player-coach Tom Watkins believes his side will be in safe hands this weekend as he heads to Ukraine to coach the GB Under-20s side.

A double-header of games against likely title challengers Slough Jets will see the Tigers coached by the experienced duo of Paul Thomason and Karl Creamer.

Telford will be looking to capitalise on a strong performance against Guildford Flames on Wednesday eve-ning – albeit one that ended in a second 4-1 defeat in three days.

Watkins will be missing from the Telford line-up for at least seven days, alongside Callum Bowley and Luke Brittle, both of whom are currently carrying injuries. But he is confident his side can carry on their encouraging run of performances.

"I am not here as of Saturday, so Karl and Thommo will be taking the reigns," Watkins said.

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"I have a lot of faith in what they bring to the team and they have the respect of the dressing room. It is up to our guys to put in the performances and effort they have been giving all season.

"There will be a lot of new bodies in the side this weekend, and they'll be getting used to working with us and playing in a Tigers shirt."

Those players include James Parsons and Shaun Kippin from Deeside Dragons, as well as Gareth O'Flaterhy from Nottingham Lions who have been drafted in as temporary cover.

Watkins has also stepped up his search for more permanent additions to the threadbare Tigers squad.

He said: "I have been talking to a number of players about joining us and I am looking to complete one or two deals in the future. There is work going on all the time to secure them."

Sunday's game at Telford Ice Rink faces off at 5.30pm.

n Telford Titans host Trafford Metros tomorrow (5.30pm) looking for their second win over the Altrincham-based side in a week.

Titans were 5-4 winners last Saturday with two goals from Karol Jets and strikes from Paul Rigby, Dan Harrison and Ashley Stanton.

n Telford Rockets Under-16' have a home game against Bradford this Sunday (3.15pm). Admission to the Telford Ice Rink is free.

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