PAUL Heavey is to return to the Paisley Pirates after being named the club's new coach.

Heavey, 41, was coach of Elite League side Manchester Phoenix, but accepted the offer from Paisley after Manchester announced its withdrawal from the league for the 2004-05 season.

The former Ayr and Scottish Eagles coach will take over at the helm of the Scottish National League side for the second time after helping the Pirates with their Spring Cup preparations in April.

Heavey's arrival is a major boost for the Lagoon-based side, as he has a distinguished record both as a player and coach.He played for the Murrayfield Racers before turning to coaching, where he won the Superleague with Cardiff Devils then headed north to take over the Ayr Eagles.

He remained in charge when they became the Scottish Eagles and moved from Ayr to Braehead, but the franchise ran out of money and the club folded.

Pirates secretary Bill Elliot confirmed the news that Heavey would be back. He said yesterday: "We have been tracking Paul all summer and we are delighted to get him on board."

"We kept in touch with Paul and since Manchester are not running a team this year, he agreed to return to the Lagoon after talks. The team are delighted that he's coming back and he'll really help bring along the club's junior players."