BRACKNELL Bees skipper Joe Baird believes there is the right chemistry within the squad that will bring them success this season.

His side won their first four league fixtures before losing their unbeaten record at Streatham on Sunday.

But Baird remains very positive about the future of the club that has seen several changes on and off the ice – changes that he is confident will pay dividends.

He has returned to the Hive from Basingstoke Bison to resume the captaincy he last held a decade ago.

“I’m really pleased to be back,” said the 38-year-old defender following the Berkshire Cycles sponsored Bees’ 5-1 victory over Invicta Dynamos on Saturday.

“In my first few years here we had success with a good team and hopefully that will happen again.”

Baird followed head coach Doug Sheppard from Basingstoke to Bracknell during the summer, describing it as “an easy decision to make.”

He continued: “Having played for Doug for the past few years I know what it is all about and what he is looking to achieve here.”

Sheppard made a number of changes to the squad and as Baird admits: “When you have a new team, it always takes a little bit of time to gel. Having some players who played together last season helps a little bit, but we know what we have to do.

“It is a happy dressing room and there is a nice chemistry in there, so we expect good things.”

Southampton-born Baird continued: “Winning our first four league matches was pleasing, but we know there are still lots of things to work on. We are still not quite set with the lines and so the team has still to gel, but we are working towards it.

“We have been playing some good hockey at times, it’s just trying to find consistency.

“There is always room for improvement, you can always do things that are better than what you had done previously.

“Everybody aspires to be a better player, so that is what we are all looking to do, to improve and keep growing as a team.”

Bees lost 4-2 at Streatham on Sunday, but Baird insists: “There are positives to take out of it, we don’t look back on things and the only way is up for us.”

However, a particularly tough October awaits his side with matches to come against Swindon, Basingstoke and Peterborough.

“We know those teams are loaded with good players, but we have good players as well.” he continued.

“We all like to play in games that are competitive. If we stick to the system that has been put into place and work hard on top, we will be fine.”

Bees have added the second import to their roster with the arrival of Niko Suoraniemi, a 34-year-old defender from Finland who played club hockey in Slovakia and France last season. His previous clubs also include Fife Flyers.

“He looks as if he will be a good fit for us,” remarked Baird. “He works hard and will be a good team guy.”

Suoraniemi is set to make his home debut against Milton Keynes this Sunday (6pm face-off). Bees are also away to Romford on Saturday (5.15pm face-off).