BOBBY Haig insists that the only way is up for Blackburn Hawks who open up their 1998-99 ice hockey season tomorrow night.

The gritty, plain-talking Scot, who has assumed a player-coaching role in a new-look set up at the Arena, admits that last season was rock bottom stuff. "Two league wins in an entire campaign - it can't get much worse than that. But we aren't bothered about what's gone on, it's what's coming up that concerns us.

"We have brought in five imports, a couple of new British lads and retained the best of the squad here. Spirits are high and we are very confident of making a good impression.

"It's high time the fans had something to cheer. We know the people will come in when it is good.

"That's been proved before, but you don't attract spectators and turn them into supporters if you are losing week in and week out.

"A tremendous amount of work has been put in behind the scenes making sure that we get the best players we can under the wage structure.

"We have spoken with agents and coaches around the world and used a network of contacts to check people out.

"Many of the newcomers have experience of playing hockey over here which we consider very important. We have had a few training sessions together and it's looking good.

"But the proof always comes from the match night and it is vital that we make a sound start.

"If you get off on the wrong foot you can get into a mess fairly quickly. That's what happened last season. "We believe we have done that and the responsibility for getting results will be shared by everyone out there on the ice.

"This ain't just down to me, far from it.

"I want input from everywhere in terms of training and tactics - from the youngest player to the most experienced."

Hawks senior squad includes Canadian imports Chad Brandimore, Lamonte Polet, Andrew Dickson, Brian Smith and James Beale and new Brits Gordon Whyte and Jamie Thompson.

Staying on from last season are Simon Mills, Tim Dempsey, Ian Hough, Billy Price, Tom Burridge, Craig Sharman, Barry Holyhead, Colin Downie, Richard Charles, Phil Brook, Danny Makriel and Bobby Haig.

It's the biggest playing staff for some time.

And they will ice together for the first time competitively tomorrow against Whitelink Raiders from the Isle of White in the English Cup (6pm).

Spectators are reminded that prices have been held from last season at £6 adults and £4 concessions.

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