Manchester Phoenix have begun their team building for the 2010-11 season with the return of Club Captain Luke Boothroyd.

A very popular player with Phoenix supporters, the quietly spoken Yorkshireman becomes the first returnee from the current squad to sign for next season and player coach Tony Hand is delighted at retaining him.

“I first spoke to Luke a few weeks ago to sound him out about coming back for what will be his third season with the club. I felt he deserved that level of respect and I was very pleased when he gave me a very positive reaction.”

“Luke is one of those players who leads by example and one of those captains who gets his message across in a quiet, orderly fashion. He never misses a practise, trains hard and always puts a shift in for the team. He’s great in the locker room and totally maintenance free, his effort and commitment is never in doubt - asking him to come back was a no-brainer for me.”

Not 23 till April, the Huddersfield native began playing hockey in the junior system at nearby Bradford before spending five years with the Hull Stingrays. He’s represented Great Britain at both Under-18 and Under-20 level and is hopeful of a call-up at some point to the senior GB squad.

“I was very pleased when Tony asked me if I’d had any early thoughts on next season and that he’d like me to stay on with the Phoenix. I’ve been very happy here, the club act totally professionally and work hard to make things are simple as possible for the players so we can concentrate on playing."

"I’ve had no reason at all to think of doing anything but staying a Manchester player, I enjoy it here and believe we will continue to improve. I was honoured to be named captain for this year and if Tony thinks I’m the right man to wear the C again, I’ll be just as honoured to continue next season.”

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