THE only surprise over Sheffield Steelers' publicity 'machine' linking their star forward Ashley Tait with Panthers was how long it took them to click into gear.

It seems that every time they: A. make a signing;

B. want to make a signing:

C. miss out on a signing; or

D. turn a player down; stories in their local newspaper implicate Panthers unfavourably in the deal, one way or the other.

And usually it's to imply that: "Panthers offered him more money, but Steelers was the only place for me".

In the story, it even adds that Tait may snub Panthers to join an Italian club.

Sheffield's obsession with everything Panthers has become something of a joke in the hockey world.

The truth is, it's only natural that as soon as decent players become available, teams like Panthers and Sheffield are mentioned in tandem because they are the two biggest teams in the country.

And when top Brit Matthew Myers revealed this week he was leaving Panthers to pursue a career in the USA, it was only a matter of time before fellow-GB star Tait – who has yet to agree a new deal with Sheffield – was linked with a return to the club where he started his career back in 1990.

It's a no-brainer. After all, there are no better Brits still to sign contracts next season.

Panthers coach Corey Neilson wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't express an interest.

Despite his age – he'll be 34 by the time the season starts – Tait is a proven winner, celebrating titles at Coventry and latterly Sheffield where he has top-scored for the past two years.

It has to be remembered, though, that Sheffield upset the Tait family when they apparently used younger brother Warren as bait to get Ashley to initially sign for them.

Then when Ashley's deal was completed for last season, Warren was axed by the club.

I understand Ashley was none too pleased.

What might be interesting, however, is that if Panthers offered them both a place in their side.

But, as ever, no-one at Panthers will comment publicly on signing speculation – neither denials nor confirmations – until a deal is done.

And given some of the shannigans that goes on when stories get out prematurely, you can't blame them.

Of course, there are players out there who will play one team off against the other in a bid to increase his wages.

And it has been known for some teams to up their bid for a player they don't really want, just to ensure the opposition has to fork out more money to get the deal done.

Yes, Tait seems to be in a very strong position and you can't blame him for weighing up his options at this stage of his career.

I'm known him since he was a kid, even playing against him in a 'lads vs dads' game when he gave me the run-around as a sprog at the old Ice Stadium.

Wherever he goes, he will be a valuable acquisition to the team, both on and off the ice.

And I bet he's laughing as the speculation continues to mount.

But coming to Nottingham? You'd better ask Sheffield . . .