Neilson is under pressure after seeing Panthers slip to fourth in the League

Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson says he takes full responsibility for the position the club are in.

Panthers, who were challenging for the Elite League title before Christmas, are now 13 points behind leaders Sheffield and have played a game more.

Neilson said: "The chairman is 100% correct, the fans are correct, and our team should be better. I have to take complete responsibility.

"I made mistakes as a coach but the belief and effort is always there."

Neilson first joined the Panthers as a player in the summer of 2006 and played under Mike Ellis for two years, winning the play-off title in his first season and the Challenge Cup a year later.

I've shown blood, sweat and tears for this club Corey Neilson

The Canadian-born defenceman took over as coach from Ellis in April 2008 and won the Challenge Cup in his second season at the helm beating Cardiff in last year's two-legged final.

Neilson's future at the club had been brought into question following three successive defeats to Cardiff, Sheffield and Newcastle, and in each game his side conceded six goals.

Their losing run was ended on Tuesday night with a 3-1 victory at home to Coventry.

Panthers went a goal down, but Neilson got a goal and an assist playing as a forward following an injury to Mark Levers.

"I've shown blood, sweat and tears for this club, actual blood, actual sweat and actual tears for this club for five years," Neilson added.

"I will continue to do it until my dying breath and I hope I get the opportunity."

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