NEW Basingstoke Bison defenceman Alex Symonds believes that coach Doug Sheppard is building a team capable of challenging for the English Premier League title.

The 23-year-old Welshman has become the latest player to follow Sheppard to Basingstoke from Slough, where the pair achieved play-off success last season – and Symonds is not ruling out back-to-back titles.

“Doug knows what it takes to win the play-offs and I think we have every chance of doing it again,” Symonds said. “He has already brought in some really good players and if we can build on that we will be fine.

“The main reason I decided to change teams was Doug. He coached me last year and I knew his goals and what he was looking to do, so it was an easy decision in the end.”

Symonds began his career with hometown club the Cardiff Devils and also played for Swindon, Telford and Peterborough before signing for the Slough Jets last year.

He enjoyed an incredible year in Berkshire, playing 57 games and contributing 13 points as the Jets won the play-offs, but can see plenty of potential in the Bison.

“I am really pleased to have joined the Bison,” he added. “I know the history of ice hockey in Basingstoke and it is a very good club.

“The Basingstoke Arena is always a tough place to come to. It is a big space and there are always a lot of fans so it can be intimidating.

“It is a good place to play at and I am looking forward to being on the home team next season.”

Sheppard added: “In my mind Alex is one of the most under-rated defencemen in the league and I am delighted that he is coming to Basingstoke with me.

“He will be a big part of the defence. He is a real stay at home guy and a great penalty killer.”