Post by JP on Mar 20, 2005 15:42:50 GMT 1
This was in the Evening News tonight: edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport.cfm?id=297712005
NIGEL DUNCAN
EDINBURGH Capitals today expressed the fear their application to join the Elite League will be rejected and believe the sport is at the crossroads.
The club’s general manager Scott Neil is not keen on an alternative proposal for a six-strong British National League (BNL) despite Scottish rivals Fife Flyers and Dundee Stars being involved.
And he is disappointed that a suggestion for a three-import Scottish League has received a frosty reception.
His views follow the acceptance of Newcastle Vipers into the Elite League earlier this week and Neil said: "I’m concerned that our Elite League application could be rejected this year but I believe that the future of hockey in Edinburgh can only reach its full potential by playing the big city teams.
"Here is an opportunity for the four capital cities in the UK to be playing in the same league and I can’t think of any professional sports can make this claim.
"The Capitals have put forward a sensible budget to the Elite League that increases our playing expenditure considerably from last season.
"I hope that while Capitals are still a relatively lower budget team, the directors of the Elite League will look at our track record of being competitive, being fiscally responsible, with excellent media contacts and coverage, and a great potential for growth, in a favourable manner."
He added: "A six-team British National League is not only unattractive but the mix of clubs is not commercially viable for the Edinburgh team.
"This is not an attack at any of the partner clubs but, after thoughtful consideration of the realistic opportunities for growth and sustainability for this club, it is not an option that can really work."
If the Elite League turn Capitals’ application down the club would look to regroup in a Scottish/ Northern League and forward an improved application for Elite League season 2006/07
NIGEL DUNCAN
EDINBURGH Capitals today expressed the fear their application to join the Elite League will be rejected and believe the sport is at the crossroads.
The club’s general manager Scott Neil is not keen on an alternative proposal for a six-strong British National League (BNL) despite Scottish rivals Fife Flyers and Dundee Stars being involved.
And he is disappointed that a suggestion for a three-import Scottish League has received a frosty reception.
His views follow the acceptance of Newcastle Vipers into the Elite League earlier this week and Neil said: "I’m concerned that our Elite League application could be rejected this year but I believe that the future of hockey in Edinburgh can only reach its full potential by playing the big city teams.
"Here is an opportunity for the four capital cities in the UK to be playing in the same league and I can’t think of any professional sports can make this claim.
"The Capitals have put forward a sensible budget to the Elite League that increases our playing expenditure considerably from last season.
"I hope that while Capitals are still a relatively lower budget team, the directors of the Elite League will look at our track record of being competitive, being fiscally responsible, with excellent media contacts and coverage, and a great potential for growth, in a favourable manner."
He added: "A six-team British National League is not only unattractive but the mix of clubs is not commercially viable for the Edinburgh team.
"This is not an attack at any of the partner clubs but, after thoughtful consideration of the realistic opportunities for growth and sustainability for this club, it is not an option that can really work."
If the Elite League turn Capitals’ application down the club would look to regroup in a Scottish/ Northern League and forward an improved application for Elite League season 2006/07
Goodluck Capitals, we NEED a Scottish team in the EIHL next season - it wouldn't be right without one.
