Hand, 39, has been named director of (ice) hockey by the club he joined in April 2006.

Despite delays in moving to their new rink at Altrincham, Manchester are fourth in the Elite League table.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed this season," said Hand. "The team has steadily improved and we have fantastic support from our fans."

"It was quite a simple decision to ask Tony to stay with the club," said Phoenix MD Neil Morris. "Tony has acted with great integrity since he joined us.

"The team that Tony has built this season has already won praise for the entertaining brand of hockey he aspires to.

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"He has stood shoulder to shoulder with us throughout the hardships of the rink delays and that speaks volumes for his character."

The delays to the Altrincham project have forced Manchester to play home games at Deeside and Sheffield. Their first game in the new arena is scheduled for later this month.

Hand, who was drafted by NHL club the Edmonton Oilers in 1986, was named an MBE in 2004 for services to the sport.