New Leeds NIHL National ice hockey coach set to be revealed before weekend, says team owner Steve Nell

The team owner found himself sifting through a high number of impressive cvs after revealing he would be seeking a new face to stand behind the home bench at Elland Road Arena. Interviews have been held this week with three leading candidates with Nell understood to be finalising the details on his first-choice late last night.

It’s not clear what kind of combination the Leeds owner has ultimately gone for, but he was keen to bring in a head coach in preference to a player-coach.

Nell received expressions of interest from all over the hockey world for the position, one which is seen as a plum job in the second-tier of the British game given the brand new facilities and the potential to grow the sport in a city the size of Leeds.

“We’ve had lots of good applications and we’ve been doing interviews over the last couple of days,” said Nell.

“We’re going to be very quick on making a decision and announcing it.

“There have been three very good, high-level candidates – a good mix of coaches – and I am expecting it to be a relatively quick process. Probably by the end of the week we’ll have somebody to announce.

MORE – Nell keen for Leeds to help Kieran Brown realise his full potential

“We know what each of the leading candidates is about and it is now just about whether they are the right person for us.

“The quality of the people applying – all of them – isn’t in doubt. Some have the coaching qualities we’re looking for, others have the GM qualities we want to bring in – some have got both.

“But their personality and whether they fit with what we are trying to achieve here is a big thing for us.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos and more. With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click HERE to subscribe.