SIMON Anderson is relishing being back at Oxpens.

The Oxford City Stars head coach returned to the club in the summer following a two-year stint coaching in Sweden.

But having enjoyed plenty of success with Stars in his previous spell in charge, he cannot wait for the new season to get under way.

“It’s great to be back at the Stars,” Anderson said.

“Sweden was an amazing experience and the standard of hockey was incredible.

“I believe it has made me a better coach.

“But it didn’t take me long to agree to re-join.

“I had a very successful time here during the 15/16 and 16/17 seasons and I’m obviously looking for us to emulate those times again.

“It’s going to be very tough as I feel this will be a league where there are no easy games.”

Anderson has been busy recruiting, making eight signings.

“We’ve got a competitive budget for this league and although some teams have a lot more than us, I feel confident we can have a successful season and cause a few shocks,” he said.

“I have recruited most of our loyal core Oxford based guys who would live and die for this club and are tremendous people to have around.”

He added: “We lost Darren (Elliott) to retirement and he is probably impossible to replace.

“But we have to respect his decision and move forward.

“Thankfully he will help me as my assistant and his knowledge and the respect he has from the players will strengthen the coaching ranks.

“I’m confident the new signings will add new dimensions to the team and improve our speed, size and grit in a budget that does not put the club in jeopardy.”