Published: Thursday, 12th June, 2008 09:00
Bees close in on duo
By Charles Watts
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Bees coach Adam Bicknell is in discussions with two potential new imports.
BRACKNELL Bees coach Adam Bicknell is locked in discussions with two imports who he hopes will soon put pen to paper and sign on for the coming season.
The Bees already have Jan Melichar and Peter Jasik returning for the 2008/09 campaign but still have two remaining import slots to fill after the departures of Michal Kanka and Dwight Parrish.
Bicknell has admitted talks are at an advanced stage with a Canadian and a European who he hopes will have a real impact on the side next season.
He said: “I’ve been speaking to a Canadian player who has been playing in this country for a couple of years and he’s very interested in coming here.
“There’s also a European, again who has been playing over here, who is interested and hopefully we will be able to sort something out soon.
“Getting strong imports in is very important. I’m not just going to sign anyone just because they’re imports, they need to make sure they join into our team ethic.”
He added: “When you’ve only got four import spots you have to have quality in all of them and I don’t think we had that last year. They weren’t quite the leading figures in our side.
“The imports should be the ones in the spotlight all the time and I’ve explained that to the players I’ve been speaking to.”
There have been two confirmed signings at The Hive in the past week with netminders Gregg Rockman and Tom Annetts penning deals.
Rockman returns after a successful campaign at The Hive last year, while Annetts, who played for the Bees in Mike Ellis’ 2003/04 BNL side, has moved from the Slough Jets.
Bicknell said: “I’m really chuffed about these two. If you’re going to challenge you have to start your team at the back and they’re two solid keepers.
“It won’t be strictly rotation. Gregg will be number one and deservedly so but he played a lot of games last season and had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.
“I think that had an effect on him. Tom is eager to earn some more ice time and I think he will give Gregg some good, positive competition.”
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