NEWCASTLE Jesters owners Fablon are hoping the already delayed season can now be put off until October.

The firm's chairman, Graham Gutteridge, has asked the Ice Hockey Superleague to allow them to put their season face-off further back to allow the team to prepare.

So far, director of hockey Glenn Mulvenna only has three players in the country, and more were due to arrive today (fr).

Three further signings, taking the confirmed squad listing to six, have also now been confirmed.

Former fan favourite Rob Trumbley, ex-Nottingham Panthers and ex-NHL defenceman Eric Lavigne and former Belfast Giants winger Steve Roberts will join Mikko Koivunoro, Roland Carlsson and netminder Bill Russell.

Mulvenna and Gutteridge want to be able to build a squad that will challenge for honours this season, and the latter's request is in the hope to be able to give the whole squad a chance to gel on the training ice.

But, he warned: "That's down to the ISL to decide whether they are satisfied with that.

"At the moment, I'm assuming they are happy with that, but I've not had any formal feedback from the ISL.

"Hopefully, they will continue to be supportive."

Fablon have yet to pay a sum of around £150,000 to last season's roster, which has led to a Superleague ban on registering players and putting out a team.

And the Ice Hockey Players' Association, which is dealing with the players' claims has hit out at the latest plans.

After reading of Gutteridge's suggestion, executive director Jo Collins said: "The expression 'tail wags dog' sprang immediately to my mind when I read it.

"I find it astonishing that those behind this long running gong show who have had over six months to put things straight are now saying they will start at their convenience and the inconvenience of everyone else.

"If they think that this tactic is going to weaken the resolve of both ISL and Ice Hockey UK in maintaining embargoes then I have to say I hope they are wrong."

Read more about the Jesters here.