News Article | 7th May 2010 » Matt moves to Braehead and the Elite League

Sheffield Scimitars' Players Player of the Year 2010 and last season's top points accumulator, Matt Haywood, has informed Head Coach that he has accepted an offer to join the Elite League's Braehead Clan for season 2010/11 and that he will not be returning to the Scimitars.

A somewhat disappointed Head Coach said today, "I am thrilled for Matt, a lad I have coached for more than 13 years has got an offer he can't refuse and a just reward for all of his hard work, he deserves his chance even though it upsets my plans for next season."

Haywood was outstanding for the Scimitars last season and his performances brought him to the attention of Coaches up and down the country. Braehead's new coach, Bruce Richardson, didn't waste any time attracting one of the hottest prospects in UK hockey and grabbed Haywood's signature with what has been described as a "cracking deal for the younger Haywood".

Head Coach knows that the loss of Matt Haywood will be a big one to the Scims but he knows that the process of developing players for progression is what the Sheffield club is all about and Haywood's progression follows that of last year's big move by the then top player, Robert Farmer. Head Coach said "Haywood has moved on to the Elite league and for the Sheffield Academy where Matt played from being 6 years old this is a massive achievement. To see a player go to the Elite league after just one season in the EPL tells you just how good a player Haywood is. Personally I think Matt has gone a year or two too soon, and I told him my thoughts. But who can blame a young lad playing the game like Matt does with a big smile on his face. I wish him all the very best and know that he will not let himself or his family down."

Scims Director Ian Johnson was equally upbeat about Haywood's move to Scotland, he said "Great news for Matty and as people are beginning to learn, this Club takes great pride in seeing our young stars move on to bigger and better things so long as it is done the right way. Matty knows the door has been left wide open here in Sheffield for him and why wouldn't it be? I wish him all the very best for next season and hope that he lights up the Elite league like he did the EPL."

Haywood himself was naturally excited at the prospect of starting the 2010/11 campaign as an Elite League player, but he was quick to heap praise and thanks on those people who have helped him, he said "I will be sad to leave Sheffield, a Club I love playing for but I feel I have to take this opportunity. Jon Row. has been great to me and I thank him for all he has done for me. I have been a Sheffield Academy player for 12 years and a Scimitars player last year. I am moving to a higher level to play my hockey and that is a great thrill for me right now. I wish the Scimitars good luck for next season and will be getting updates from the guys after every game."

Haywood's departure leaves Head Coach with something of a headache but with the long list of players he is looking at Head Coach is sure he will find a "more than adequate replacement for Haywood". More news about player signings from Head Coach in due course.

ends -

Next News Article: Scimitars sign a big Canadian forward
8th May 2010
Previous News Article: The Straw Man Returns to the Scimitars
3rd May 2010

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