Tom Watkins agrees a new contract with Telford Tigers
Telford Tigers have re-signed Tom Watkins as head coach, after his success in leading the county side to their first EPL play-off appearance in 17 years.
Watkins, who has agreed terms on a new multi-year deal, joined the side as player-coach in 2009, following a 10-year Elite League career with Coventry Blaze.
The 36-year-old is preparing his side for this weekend's play-off quarter-finals against Guildford Flames. Victory in those matches would see the Tigers appear at the finals tournament next month for the first time in their history.
Watkins believes the stability offered by his new deal, as well the introduction of new personnel at the club, will pay dividends.
He said: "I am very pleased to stay in Telford. It has been four years of hard work for everyone connected with the club.
"This has been such a changeable season, from the start to where we are now. There are different guys in the team and the club is moving forward all the time.
"I am really happy to be part of that."
Watkins' work in taking Telford to the EPL play-offs has marked him out as one of the hottest properties in British ice hockey.
He will, undoubtedly, have attracted admiring glances from other clubs across the country.
But with the quarter-finals just days away, the former GB star is aware that he still has plenty of work to do in Shropshire.
He added: "It is great motivation, looking to the future. It will be five years next season and we're looking to build a side capable of winning the EPL title. Having strong owners is a massive benefit."
The club's owners, Red Hockey, injected fresh capital at the start of this season, with a string of new arrivals in December.
Wayne Scholes, owner of Red Hockey and Red Touch Media, is delighted to have secured Watkins' services.
He said: "Bringing in new players is one thing, but moulding them into a winning team is another. Tom's success this season has been remarkable. There is no other coach in the country who we wanted to lead the Tigers."
