Warriors net two more signings

Whitley Warriors coach Simon Leach has picked up a second player from north east rivals Billingham Bombers - who are unable to play for a couple of seasons due to refurbishment of the Forum ice rink - adding netminder James Flavell to his squad for the 2009/10 campaign.

“We’ve been after James ever since Thomas Murdy confirmed he was going to play for Elite League outfit Coventry Blaze,” said the Whitley boss.

“Along with Thomas, he was one of the stand-out keepers in the English National League last season,” Leach added, “and you only have to look at his performances against us to see that.

“So we are delighted to have someone of his quality and ability on board at Hillheads to compliment the keepers we already have.”

Flavell, 21, joins the Warriors after coming through the Bombers junior system, although he did have a year in America when he played for Cranks ‘AAA’ in Michigan.

Now the closure of the Billingham Forum means he must move again and Flavell is looking forward to his new challenge.

“Whitley are a good side, with a good fan base similar to Billingham, so I should have no trouble settling in,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to the move and know I’m coming to a team that will be challenging for honours.

“I’m especially pleased to be playing in the Northern League again,” he added, “Billingham didn’t take part last season, but I really enjoyed going to places like Fife and Dundee and am looking forward to that again.”

Leach has also confirmed that Liam McAllister will shared netminding duties with his new signing and is looking for further improvements from the youngster over the coming months.

“Liam has worked very hard with goalie coach Kevin Dean and made terrific progress in the last year,” he said.

“He played in some vital games for us at the back end of last season, never letting us down once, and I’m sure he will keep that up this year to push James hard in training every week.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that despite losing their promotion/relegation play-off battle with Manchester ENL Phoenix, Blackburn Hawks have now been reprieved and will replace Billingham in Division One North of the English National League.

The Phoenix finished runners-up in Division Two and are promoted, along with league winners Telford Titans; while relegated Newcastle ENL Vipers are joined by new outfit Sutton Sting in the second tier.

Have a comment or want to share your views and opinions? Then visit our Message Boards to discuss this article.