Sheffield won the Elite League play-offs in 2008 & 2009

Sheffield Steelers coach Dave Matsos, general manager Mike O'Connor and club founder David Simms have resigned from the club, reports BBC Radio Sheffield.

The trio have been joined by the club's two full-time office staff, Betty Waring and Luke MacDonald.

The resignations take place with immediate effect, as a vote of no confidence in owner Bob Phillips.

"It physically hurts us and it pained me to do," said coach Matsos from his home in Canada.

"I had a two-year deal that would have taken me to six years coaching in Sheffield and l and my family love it there.

"I am not happy with the way this has shaken down. My family and I want to be in Sheffield and that is what has made this decision so hard."

There is no way any of us could continue to work in the present environment Dave Simms

Matsos informed former Phillips of his decision via email and O'Connor left the club on Wednesday afternoon.

The five felt their positions had been made untenable, prompting their decision to hand in their resignations to the former Cardiff Devils owner.

Simms said: "I would call for the fans to stay calm and see where the events lead in the next week.

"I hope they will be able to see that none of us have walked out on the Sheffield Steelers.

"However, there is no way any of us could continue to work in the present environment.

"On a personal note, this hockey club has been my life for the last 19 years and this is a decision I haven't taken lightly and it hurts to think I am no longer involved in my hockey club."

When contacted by the BBC, Phillips said he will not be commenting until next week.

The club's official website was down on Friday, saying a re-launch was planned for 1 August.

606: DEBATE It's a complete mess and not good for the Elite League. Sheffield are one of the biggest and well supported clubs in the league Jerome

But a statement via the Steelers Official Facebook page played down the departures and insisted it was business as usual.

The statement said: "Following a difficult year off the ice, the Sheffield Steelers are regrettably carrying out a restructuring exercise to replace members of the front line management team.

"We would like to express our thanks to Mike O'Connor, Dave Matsos and Dave Simms for the work they have done and our new management team will be announced in due course.

"The club is currently discussing terms with a coach and news of his signing will be released later next week.

"The club is hoping to fly him in to the UK for a meeting with management and fans. The club also wants to reassure fans that the current playing squad will remain in place and negotiations are under way to completing the two remaining slots."

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