Coaches and hearts

It was announced that Sheffield have parted company with Rob Stewart and replaced him with Paul Heavey, briefly of this parish. It is hard not to have sympathy with Stewart who - from the outside - appears to have been treated rather harshly.

For example, despite languishing in fifth place, the Steelers currently have a winning record and were on a streak of 4 losses in 16 games.

The chief complaints seems to be an apparent lack of motivation from the team and a refusal to spend money when it was made available.

Lack of motivation is a tough one. Reading various forums and lists, Stewart wasn't a fire and brimstone coach and this was part of his downfall. However, neither was Kurt Kleinendorst and you can hardly accuse him of being unmotivated. Players are professionals - some of them are over here having a great time, flights, cars, houses, playing a game they love for money and yet they still need motivating?

As for spending money - well, just because it is available, it doesn't mean it has to be spent. I've never been a big believer in spending too much, after all paying a guy twice as much is not going to get you twice as many goals, it simply doesn't work like that.

It is a stark contrast to the team a short trip down the M1 in Nottingham. I recently saw the Panthers against Nottingham and to be honest, I can see why a team I tipped for honours this year are out of the title race. Now there is a team just going through the motions - and one that has done so for a couple of years now. With the money, facilities and organisation it is almost criminal that the Panthers have just the one trophy to celebrate in recent years.

And they can sign all the NHLers they want - it still won't help them. What's twenty feet long and sleeps 18? The Panthers bench.