COACH Gareth Cox believes he can help Bracknell Bees climb up the table now he is back on the team bench, writes Dave Wright.

He held a similar role with the club before being axed due to cost-cutting measures nearly three years ago.

Cox, having been originally appointed in 2010, was dismissed at a time when Bees were lying fifth in the EPIHL following a run of three wins in four matches.

His return comes a time when they are bottom of the table with just one win from eight games.

But last Sunday, Cox saw them produce their best home performance of the season so far, twice taking the lead against high-flying Milton Keynes Lightning before being edged out 3-2.

“It is nice to be back,” said Cox, who has continued to help out the Bracknell junior sides and the Hornets at The Hive.

“I was asked to come back to help on the bench by Lukas (Smital), we are close friends. It’s good fun.

“I still have commitments with the junior teams, but I am here for the season.”

Cox missed the 6-2 defeat at Swindon on Saturday, but was at The Hive on Sunday and was encouraged by what he saw against a good MK side.

“We played well and were unlucky to lose,” he said.

“We didn’t quite get the bounces. Also we got a little bit into penalty trouble and paid the price – but that’s hockey.”

Following the game, Cox added: “We have a lot of young guys out there, and it’s a learning curve for them.

“There are improvements to be made in certain areas and hopefully these will be made each week, but you could see the younger guys getting more confident.”