NICKY Watt will play just four more games in a Swindon Wildcats jersey after he made a shock request to leave the club.

The uncompromising forward has cited undisclosed personal reasons as being behind his decision to ask for the move, which Wildcats have agreed to.

Scotsman Watt has been with Swindon since the beginning of last season - his second spell at the Link Centre - and he insists he leaves with no bad feeling.

He said: “Firstly I would like to take this chance to thank Ryan (Aldridge, head coach) for his understanding throughout this situation.

“It was a very difficult decision for me to make and one that was made with a very heavy heart.

“Aldy has been extremely professional and understanding and I can’t thank him enough for that.

“I’ve chosen to move on for several reasons which I will leave between myself and Aldy and I hope that the fans respect that.

“But I’m leaving on good terms and feel that Swindon have an ever-improving organisation which is one of the most professional in the EPL.”

Watt's imminent departure is unlikely to help a set of forwards already missing the combined talents of the experienced Lee Richardson and Jamie Hayes due to injury.

That was a sentiment echoed by Aldridge, although he explained that he fully respected Watt's decision.

“It is certainly tough news to deal with, especially as we are also without Richie (Richardson) and Hayes who are on the treatment table for the foreseeable future. It will leave us very short up front,” said Aldridge.

“I know it’s been a tough decision for him to make and I fully understand the reasons he has given me and we have to accept that.”

Watt, an abrasive character on the ice who is always willing to stick up for himself and his teammates, first arrived at Swindon early in 2008/09.

He notched 10 goals and 20 assists in 47 appearances before switching to Bracknell for two seasons.

The 26-year-old returned to Wildcats at the start of last term and since then has made 74 appearances, scoring 31 goals and providing 41 assists.

Watt will play in today and tomorrow's games at Sheffield and Telford, with his final weekend as a Swindon player being on January 12/13, when the Wildcats take on Bracknell home and away.