Aaron Nell to Leave Swindon Wildcats

Swindon Wildcats have confirmed that Great Britain International - Aaron Nell will be leaving the club ahead of next season.

After an amazing campaign last season, the former Wildcats captain has been snapped up by Elite League side, the Sheffield Steelers.

Speaking about his departure from the club, Nell said: "I would like to thank all of the staff and the players at Swindon as well as the fans for supporting the team.

"My main thanks however, has to go to Ryan Aldridge.”

"He has believed in me as a player ever since he has been at the club and has had a huge influence on me getting this opportunity.”

"Swindon is a great place to play and I think it is the best place to play in the EPL for a young, upcoming player because they focus on your development and they don't hold you back for their own good.”

"From speaking to Ryan, it looks like Swindon will have a great team next season and I really hope it will be the clubs best season yet."

Having originally begun his career with the Swindon Cougars, Nell has enjoyed two spells with the Wildcats between 2008 and 2010 before he moved to the Coventry Blaze, making his return to the Link Centre mid-way through the 2011-12 season.

Nell's departure is obviously a blow to the preparations being made by head coach Ryan Aldridge ahead of the 2013-14 season, but one that he had been resigned to.

"To lose a player like Aaron is a big blow for us," Aldridge said. "But it is one we will do our best to get round. People have asked who we will replace him with and frankly he can't be replaced.”

"He had more goals than any import in the league last season so to expect a Brit to replace him is out of the question and would be very unfair pressure. I wish Aaron all the best in Sheffield and would like to thank him for all his hard work both on and off the ice here at the club."

Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that D-Man Joe Baird will not be returning to the Link Centre for a fifth season.

Aldridge added "I want to thank Joe for everything he's done. He's a close friend of mine and I wish him all the best. He's been here four years and has been very dedicated in that time."

The 32-year old has made 180 appearances for the club since joining ahead of the 2009-10 season, and was one of the clubs alternative captains during the last campaign.