BOBBY Haig is to continue as player-coach with Blackburn Hawks.

Rumours that the veteran ice hockey star, a regular in the Blackburn set-up for more than a decade, was about to retire have been quashed.

"We are very pleased to announce that Bobby is staying in charge of our senior ice hockey," said an Arena spokesman.

For the forthcoming season, Bobby will be assisted by former Hawks ace Mark Ward, who has strong connections with both senior ice hockey and junior development at the Arena.

He will make a valuable contribution in both coaching on the ice and bench coaching on match nights.

The Arena management are also pursuing the recruitment of ex-Manchester Storm player Mike Morin.

Discussions are on-going and it is hoped that he will agree a part-time role, working alongside Haig and Ward, to help develop the players and take the team forward into a challenging position.

Following team manager Peter Sheffield's decision to stand down, the club is currently seeking a replacement and a new assistant manager.

An announcement concerning these appointments is likely to be made at a major pre-season meeting scheduled for next week.

Discussions are currently taking place to formulate the 2006/7 team roster and some open trials will commence within the next few weeks for anyone else interested in joining the Hawks.

For next season, Hawks have agreed to compete in the English National Ice Hockey League (Northern Division) the English Cup and the Cross Boarder League next season, but officials say there is no intention of entering the Premier Cup.