HAWKS chief Bobby Haig insists that things have to change before the new season in September after a disastrous 2001-2002.

Blackburn's player-coach set out determined to reach a top two position by the end of the English National Hockey League North season, but consecutive defeats dashed all hopes of making the play-offs.

"We started off well and in high spirits but it didn't last for very long," admits Haig. "I think things could have been very different if we'd had top netminder Colin Downie all season."

Fed up with the string of poor performances and failure in both cups, Haig geared his team up to go all out and prove themselves - resulting in five wins from their last five games, a 25-0 thrashing of the Birmingham Rockets

sealing the season in style.

"We were fantastic, like a completely different team. We put in 100 per cent effort and got the reward. It's just a shame we didn't perform like that all season because we're certainly capable of it."

At least the season wasn't all bad.

"The most memorable game for us without a doubt is when we beat arch rivals Altrincham Aces 7-4 in October. We played really well and in my view we ultimately cost them the title - they finished a point behind league winners

Whitley Warriors!

"Neal Haworth has been outstanding for us this season. He picked up both players' player of the year and supporters' player of the year and we'll probably have to fight to hold on to him."

Already planning ahead, Haig is hoping for bigger things for our next ice hockey instalment.

"We'll be looking for a proven goalscorer over summer as although I score a lot of goals I'm not fast enough. I need somebody to pass to who will give us strength up front.

"We also need to get past thinking that we can't beat Whitley because we can - we beat them 3-1 in the Englis

Cup. In fact, we've beaten every team except Kingston at least once this season so we know we can do it, we just

need to be more consistent.

"My assistant coach Mark Ward and I will be looking to improve our training techniques, it's all about learning and finding a way to keep the players motivated. We've also got some very good young players coming through and

I'm hoping we can reach the play-offs next time."

Blackburn will travel to Scotland for a tournament during the summer months and are currently looking for a sponsor.