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First Rempel, then Peacock... now Patterson quits Phantoms
Peterborough Phantoms have suffered a body blow after treble-winning coach Colin Patterson confirmed he would not be returning to the club.
Peterborough Phantoms have suffered a body blow after treble-winning coach Colin Patterson confirmed he would not be returning to the club.Just two weeks after the loss of top scorer Nathan Rempel and British star Craig Peacock, the Bretton-based club must now find a replacement for the most successful coach in their 25-year history.
For the past few weeks negotiations have been ongoing with the Canadian – who delivered the English Premier League title, EPL Cup and play-off crown in his debut season – but last night Patterson gave Phantoms the news they least wanted to hear.
Patterson said: "I will not be coming back to Phantoms. It has been a very difficult decision to make and also one of uncertainty, but after much deliberation I believe it is in the best interest of both parties.
"With my commitments here at home I could not agree or disagree to coming back until a much later date. It is much more important for the Phantoms to have management, coaches and players in place before that time.
"My wife Janet and I enjoyed very much our year in Peterborough. We met many wonderful people and will always cherish their friendship.
"The memories of our great treble season will always be with us. It would not have happened without the hard work of all team members and management.
"I cannot say enough about how we were welcomed by the great fans of the Phantoms. I am sure they will once again be contenders for the trophies."
The search now begins for Patterson's replacement, but as director of hockey Jon Kynaston revealed, that search could be further advanced than many had expected.
"The club thank Colin sincerely for his input and achievements and wish him and his family the very best for the future," he said.
"Colin will forever be a part of the club's history after guiding us to an unprecedented treble. Due to Colin's situation the work to find his replacement has been ongoing for some time. Colin has played a part in this and the club hope to announce his successor soon."
Phantoms will continue their policy of recruiting a Canadian to the top job but it is understood former Phantom Jesse Hammill, who coached Romford last season, is not in the running.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
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