The big Canadian defenceman signed a new contract with the city club on Sunday to bring to an end an incredible turnaround which has seen him transformed from failed coach to heroic warrior.

Just over a year ago and mere weeks after being lured to Phantoms from Milton Keynes to take up the player/coach role, Newman was axed from the post and faced an uncertain future in the game.

But rather than accept his fate and leave the club, 'Dog' decided to stay and honour his playing contract - a decision which now looks one of the best calls he HAS ever made in a long and distinguished career.

After knuckling down to play under Phil David - the man who replaced him - Newman went on to produce a storming run of performances to help Phantoms finish top in the English Premier League and win the EPL KO Cup.

Now the big man has been handed his just reward.

"I was delighted to accept the offer of a new deal with the club - I certainly didn't need to long to think about it as me and wife Joy love life in this city and I love playing for Phantoms," he said.

"Losing my job as coach last season was undoubtably the one of the lowest points in my career and there was a time before Christmas when I was not sure how long I had left. But the way to react to adversity it to fight so I just decided to keep lacing them up, give my all for the team and just see what happened.

"During that time I thought I played some good hockey which may have convinced people that I should be kept on for the rest of the year.

"And of course we went on to win things and had a great season which proved that my decision to stay and fight was the right one."

And now that he has decided to return, Newman is convinced the side in place at Bretton HQ is more than capable of mixing it with any team in the EPL.

He added: "With Brent Gough, Nathan Rempel and Maris Ziedins all coming back we have a great chance to do even better than last year.

"We also have some of the best British players in the game like Craig Peacock, Lewis Buckman and Joe Miller to name just a few and I am convinced we can challenge for the league and play-off titles this time round.

"We all have more experience of playing in this group and that will help the new coach Colin Patterson when he comes in.

"I am feeling fit and well and I know all the other guys can't wait 'til the shooting starts, it should be an awesome season."