ADAM Harding believes he returns to the Swindon Wildcats roster as a more rounded player after agreeing a Link Centre comeback for the 2018-19 season.

Harding began his association with Swindon as a teenager more than a decade ago, although it was not until 2013 that he made he first appeared for the senior side following a spell in North America and then in Great Britain’s Elite League with Cardiff Devils.

After three seasons as a Wildcat, Harding headed back to the Elite League with Manchester Storm for the 2016-17 campaign before spending last season with Dundee Stars.

Cats coach Aaron Nell describe Harding as “the icing on the cake” to his roster after tempting him back to the club over the summer, with the 25-year-old hoping his experience will be a big benefit to the side.

“It is nice to be back. It is good to see the guys who I played with before, so it is easy to make the transition,” said Harding.

“I am bringing back a lot more experience and my defensive game has improved a lot because in the Elite League, I had to take up a different role.

“I was playing on that third or fourth line on the penalty kill, so the penalty kill is big part of my role now.

“I look at the game a lot differently to what I did three years ago. I try to be smarter, I try to support more, and I try to make better decisions.

“Everyone has a role, so whether my role is scoring goals or defending, I will try to do my best whatever it is.”

Harding joins up to a Cats roster fresh of recent success after winning both the NIHL Cup and Autumn Trophy last season.

Ahead of the start of the new competitive campaign on Saturday, September 15, Harding hopes Swindon can get back on the trophy trail once again.

“On paper, we have a very strong team. We could definitely do some damage this season and hopefully bring home some silverware,” said Harding.

“Once you have that winning culture on your team, it becomes a habit, and hopefully we can make it more of a habit this season.

“We haven’t really had that conversation yet, but I imagine there is a lot of pressure on us to win.

“We do have big expectations, especially with the guys winning two cups last season, so hopefully we can do more of the same.

“I don’t think the team had a great start last season, so hopefully the guys are looking to start well and continue that for the rest of the year.

“We are all up for the challenge and hopefully we can continue on last season’s success.”

Swindon began their preparations for the new season last weekend with home and away challenge victories over Bracknell Bees, and face the same double-header against Streatham this weekend, starting on Saturday at the Link Centre.