Slava Koulikov Becomes The New Steeldogs Head Coach

Koulikov leaves the Peterborough Phantoms where he has been as a player coach and head coach since 2013

Club owner Tony Smith said “Firstly I would like to thank Ben Morgan for his hard work and dedication to the Steeldogs, we have come a long way under his tenure and we are grateful for his continued support of this ever growing and fast moving project that the Steeldogs has become

“I’m delighted to welcome Slava to Sheffield, we are all convinced that he is a perfect fit for the club as we move forward looking ahead to the new season. His experience and knowledge of our league is without question and as a club we know we are moving in the right direction with him on board

“Slava shares our vision for the future, which is why it was right to commit to him for three seasons.

“I’m also pleased that Slava joins our team of coaches, working alongside Aaron Fox will benefit both Slava as a head coach, and the Steeldogs meaning our ultimate goal of developing more British players that will help us win games and trophies becomes a reality”

On arriving in Sheffield, Koulikov first paid a tribute to his former club “Peterborough has been my home for so long now, the club gave me an incredible opportunity and we have all worked so hard there. I thank them for everything

“This opportunity though is something that I couldn’t turn down, I’ve had opportunities before but they haven’t been right for me or my family, this one though was one I had to move forward with

“I love the direction that the Steeldogs is heading in, it is the only club trying to do things this way from the Steelers to the Steeldogs and then into the teams and acadamy below. A conveyer-belt that we hope will produce the next group of British players

“This move is also good for my development as a coach, working alongside Aaron Fox every day can only improve me and that in turn can only benefit the Steeldogs”

Photos by: Shaun Baker-Davis