Marshall pays tribute as club fights on

London Raiders player-coach Danny Marshall has paid tribute to the hard work behind the scenes that ensured the team could remain on ice at Lee Valley this season.

The club’s future was thrown into doubt a week ago, after owner Ollie Oliver stepped down from his role following the death of manager Mick Cahill.

But a supporters group, fronted by former owner John Scott, came together to raise funding to meet start-up costs and, with late help from Havering Council, announced their intention to run in the National League in midweek.

Marshall said: “I want to say a massive thanks to the fans and everyone involved in keeping the team running.

“It has been a hard couple of weeks and I don’t know what would happen if the team folded.

“Huge thanks to John Scott, the sponsors and council for stepping in to keep us going. It looks like it could work out for the better in the long term.

“But now we need to market ourselves and get more bums on seats at Lee Valley. The Romford fans have been great in coming along to keep us going and we need new fans.”

Havering councillor Melvin Wallace, cabinet member for Culture and Community Engagement, added: “We’re happy to give the Raiders some financial support to help ensure they remain in business until the new ice rink opens in Romford.

“We want to ensure the continued development of ice hockey through the team, and their move back to the new ice rink in Romford is crucial to the future success of the sport in the borough and the new facility.”

n A celebration of Mick Cahill’s life will be held on Tuesday (3.45pm) at Forest Park Crematorium, Hainault and afterwards at the Metropolitan Police club, Chigwell.

Hockey shirts welcome, family flowers only, donations to the British Heart Foundation and London Raiders.