Thompson apologises to Blaze fans

Paul Thompson's side are still in the Challenge Cup (Mark Tredgold)

Holders Coventry Blaze crashed out of the British Knock-out Cup on Wednesday night, losing 10-3 on aggregate to the Belfast Giants.

"We were terrible," said head coach Paul Thompson. "Turning the team's form round is the biggest challenge I've had in years."

"The fan have to keep faith in the players and me," Thompson told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire.

Blaze face Newcastle at home and Edinburgh away this weekend.