LIFELONG Swindon Town fan Albert Brind, who turned his back on the club because he was so fed up with the club’s peformances, has been given tickets to go and see ice hockey at the Swindon Wildcats instead.

Albert, who lives in the town centre, put his three decade-long fandom on ice in favour of the Wildcats, who gave him free tickets yesterday.

Earlier this month Albert, 55, decided to throw in the towel – along with his season ticket and souvenirs – after growing frustrated with rising ticket prices and poor displays.

Steve Nell, the general manager of the Link Centre-based Wildcats, presented Albert with tickets to watch the club’s clash with Basingstoke on Sunday.

He said he was touched by Albert’s story and wanted to give him the sporting day out of his dreams.

“I saw what had happened online and I knew I wanted to help out,” Steve said.

“Albert said Swindon Town was a big part of his social life. Sport is so important because it gets everyone involved and we wanted to give Albert and his friends a nice day out.

“I think he’ll like that the team does get up close and personal with the fans, giving autographs, and it’s definitely a lot faster paced.”

Burger King employee Albert said: “I’m pleased because this looks like a club that has respect for its fans and team and that’s what Swindon Town is lacking.

“It’s an amazing gesture for them to do this for me. I didn’t want to put my story out there to get something like this, I just wanted Swindon Town to respect their fans more. I’m looking forward to ice hockey.”

Albert said he was overwhelmed with the support shown to him in the town, in contrast to Swindon Town’s response.

“People have understood where I was coming from and I’ve had fans coming up to me in the street and being very supportive,” he said.

“All the club said to me was that I could collect my stuff whenever I wanted. I’d expect more after 30 years but what can you do?”

Albert, who was known for his STFCForeverRedAlbie shirts, said: “It is a change because I was going to every match every week and it was a huge part of my social life and me as a person.

“But I certainly won’t be supporting the club again.”