Dear Wildcats Fans,


Almost 30 years ago, May 1997 (I think), Swindon Cubs under 10’s in Nottingham, National Play-Off Finals. One of my first memories of playing, we won the final in overtime, Mark Richardson game winner!


How I wish it could have finished the same way in Coventry last weekend, but it wasn’t to be, and it’s been a hard week coming to terms with that.


I just wanted to thank you all for the support over the years, since my first year in 2008. I can’t tell you how much the club has changed, and I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed every second, even though I know I’ve been told to smile more over the years.


I’m not sure if anyone else has spent more time in the Link Centre over the years than me, from going to nursery upstairs to being a lifeguard, to washing sweats last week, it’s been the hub of my personal and professional life.


I’ve been very lucky that my first and last years playing were my favourite and most memorable.


2008/09, we weren’t very good, but we had such a great time on and off the ice. Not practicing on a Thursday that year, when it was buy 1 get 2 free in Liquid in town, was a big reason for that. As I’m sure everyone would, what I’d do to go back to that year!


2025/26, we finally did it and won the league in the National League. The players were unbelievably committed. Right from our first team meeting, we knew the only goal was to win the league, and we did it!


Our most important and my most fulfilling year? 2023/24 the year of the flood. Without the support of everyone, from fans to the sponsors, we wouldn’t hear now. The biggest thank you has to go to that group of players, what an amazing group, no other team could have got through that.


Anyway, that’s enough from me. Stopping playing is a tough decision, but I know it’s for the best going forward, and I’m really looking forward to coaching full-time. The role of player-coach isn’t viable anymore, and I’m guessing I was the last one to do it in a league at our level or above in the world.


I am as excited as you are to see some old faces back in Swindon this weekend, and I thank you all for your support and hope you enjoy the day as much as I will. 


Aaron