Peterborough Phantoms have announced Colin Patterson as their new head coach to replace fellow Canadian Phil David, who could not get a work permit.

Patterson, 65, was most recently with Canadian side Kootenay Ice.

Phantoms director Jon Kynaston told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "He's a very experienced coach who has been in the game for a long time, mostly in Canada.

"He has a lot of experience and some great references so I think we've got a suitable replacement for Phil David."

He added: "We pretty much knew what we were looking for and, after narrowing down the applicants, Colin ticked all the boxes we listed.

He has the calibre we're striving to achieve and his qualities will only complement what we've got here in Peterborough Peterborough director Jon Kynaston

"When reference-checking Colin it was quite clear to see he has the calibre we're striving to achieve and his qualities will only complement what we've got here in Peterborough."

Patterson's father is Scottish so he is able to work in the United Kingdom, meaning the club will not face a repeat of the work permit problems they faced with David.

David had to leave after his first season in charge despite the club's efforts to secure him a work permit.

Kynaston says the new head coach will not arrive in Peterborough until late-August but will work remotely to help build the team for next season.

"Colin's going to be actively involved in [player recruitment] and he knows we had a good, strong team here last year so I believe we'll be looking to have as much continuity with that as we can."