NEWS: Finnerty pleased at summer progress

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Braehead Clan head coach Ryan Finnerty is pleased at the progress of how his team for 2016/17 is coming together – but insists patience is still a must.

New face Daniel Åsberg was added to the roster along with Matt Keith, Bari McKenzie, Craig Peacock, Scott Pitt and Matt Haywood yesterday as the rebuilding continues.

“I think we’re making pretty good progress so far,” said the Clan coach. “At the same time you have to be patient and do your homework on the guys, rather than rush into anything.

“There still a few processes to go. All in all, we’re happy where we’re at just now.

“Patience is key still and it’s too easy to go with the information on Elite Prospects or places like that. You have to make sure you do your due diligence.

“It’s important how you look at any players you look to bring in and get an idea of how they’re going to fit in. Getting the Brits in is important then build the rest of the team from there.”

Finnerty also spoke of a change in the market compared to previous years, with Elite League clubs attracting some high class talent so far.

And he believes the sort of players available and willing to come to the UK is a testament in the growing standard of the league.

He added: “The market seems pretty hot right now with the sort of names we’re seeing right now.

“In the past, these are guys that wouldn’t come up until later in the summer and it’s a sign of how much improved the league is becoming when these guys want to come here.

“It’s making teams active a little quicker and that’s good. We’re still trying to bring back some core guys from last year, but at the same time, we’re keeping an eye on what’s going on out there.

“Talking to a few other coaches, they’re seeing the same thing as well in terms of the players that are out there and that’s a credit to the league.”