GRAHAM Lomax has stepped down as general manager of Blackburn Hawks for personal and business reasons.

He has been replaced by Konrad Tapp who will fulfil the role until the end of the season.

Tapp will continue to be supported by Mark Kinder as team manager, Bob Hall as coach and newly appointed John Dunford as bench coach.

The new general manager said he is hoping to raise the profile of the club and bring some silverware to the Blackburn Arena.

He said: "I have followed the Hawks since their inaugural season, I have followed them through the highs and the lows, and I think it is about time we started to bring some silverware home.

"I will not be involved whatsoever in what happens on the ice, that is down to our more than qualified coaches and talented players.

"My role will be to liaise with the Arena management about the team, hopefully promote the team through advertising and help out in any way shape or form that I can."

Tapp has played an integral part in helping the Hawks develop as a club, forming the Blackburn Falcons side and was heavily involved in the Kestrels and Thunderhawks junior teams.

He added: "Junior ice hockey is how I met and became good friends with an old Hawks favourite Eddie Cooper.

"We both went on our level 1 coaching course together and from there I used to help teach beginners the basics on the now well established skating skills and stick and puck sessions."