OXFORD City Stars have appointed the experienced Kenny Redmond to become their head coach for next season.

The 49-year-old from Scotland has a wealth of experience in domestic and international ice hockey and succeeds Simon Anderson, who stepped down at Oxpens last month.

Redmond will run the day-to-day operations of the senior side and work alongside head of hockey operations Darryl Morvan to bring through young talent.

He said: “The club has a great history in British ice hockey, and the directors have worked very hard to build the club up to what it is today.

“They have a great structure in place and already have a large passionate fan base.

“My objective is to provide an exciting and competitive team and also to work in conjunction with Darryl Morvan and (head coach of the juniors) Jeff Sykora to help produce local Stars for the future.

“I feel with the players we have already signed, and with a few more to be added, it will be an exciting season to look forward to.

“Having coached against the Stars last season I’ve no doubt that the backing and passion from the fans will be like having an extra skater on the ice.”

The appointment represents a big step forward for the club, who were hit by the collapse of the Conference system last month.

It prompted Anderson to step down – and was the reason Redmond, whose playing career began in 1985 with Glasgow Dynamos and included spells at Basingstoke Beavers and Paisley Pirates, became available.

He had agreed a move to Chelmsford Chieftains before the problems hit, but with Stars’ position for next season confirmed in NIHL 2 South, Morvan moved quickly for a man whose CV includes coaching the Ireland national side.

It reunites the pair, who have worked together before in the South West Conference regional set-up.

He said: “As soon as I took on the role of head of hockey operations, and found out that Kenny might be available, I was straight on the phone to him.

“Kenny sets high standards not only for the players but also for himself.

“He’s got a proven record of developing young players and I’m confident he’ll get the best from the team, and I’m really pleased that we’ve got such an experienced coach.”