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

Sheffield Steelers owner Bob Phillips has announced he will sell the club just a week after key figures resigned.

Coach Dave Matsos, general manager Mike O'Connor and founder David Simms left the club on Friday after a vote of no confidence in Phillips.

Matsos was appointed as assistant coach of Windsor on Wednesday, who play in the Ontario Hockey League in Canada

A club statement said: "The current owners have decided that it is now time to find new owners."

Former Cardiff Devils boss Phillips took over at the club in July 2005.

The statement continued: "The recent bad press has only exacerbated the owners' frustrations, who worked tirelessly in the interest of the club but now feel that it is time to enable new ownership to take the club forward in a positive manner.

"The Elite League has been advised by the owners of their desire to sell and asked to assist in making the transition.

606: DEBATE Something is not right at the club and the owner has a history of this, having found himself in an identical crisis when at Cardiff Devils. blazevilladave

"The league hopes that new owners can be found quickly so the season ahead can continue uninterrupted and the superb Sheffield Steelers fan base and sponsors can look forward to an exciting 2010/11 season. "

Crisis talks between Matsos and club bosses were held last season to discuss the side's poor form, after they notched up their 10th defeat.

They finished a disappointing fifth in the Elite League, just a year after winning the play-off and league double.

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