WILDCATS have swooped to sign Basingstoke defenceman Alex Symonds but the experienced Joe Baird will not be returning to the Link Centre in 2013/14.

Symonds was part of the Basingstoke side that dumped Swindon out of the EPL play-off quarter-finals and despite the Bison’s interest in keeping him in Hampshire, Wildcats head coach Ryan Aldridge has managed to prise the Cardiff-based man away.

With Baird having announced his intention to leave after four seasons in Wiltshire, Symonds will be an immediate replacement for the 2012/13 assistant captain and Aldridge is delighted to have got his man, who made 10 appearances for Cats in 2006/07.

The head coach moved for the Welshman after being impressed by his performances against Swindon at the end of the last campaign, and he explained there were a number of reasons why he had sealed the 24-year-old’s signature.

“It was the way he played against us in those final three games of the season,” said Aldridge.

“You know when you play against a guy and you don’t enjoy it, they are doing something right.

“I’m not the sort of player to try and beat a guy one-on-one, I always look to pass it and he took those passing lines away.

“I liked the way he played and the reason why I went to Coventry (for the play-off finals) was to watch him.

“I like the way he moves, he skates great and has good ice position, he’s not afraid to take the body, plays simple and makes that first pass.

“I’ve never heard a bad word said about the guy, he’s someone who you want in the locker room.”

Symonds, who won the EPL play-offs with Slough in the 2011/12 season, admitted he was attracted to Swindon by the chance to play alongside fellow Cardiff-based duo Stevie Lyle and Adam Harding, and also the ‘ambition’ of the club.

“Having the opportunity to play closer to home and alongside Stevie and Adam who I both know well, makes more sense (than playing at Basingstoke),” he said.

"I like what Ryan is doing at Swindon and his plans are exciting, so I don't see why the club can't go on to be top four next season.

“We've certainly got to make that our goal and with the team that is being assembled, I think we should also be aiming at picking up some cup or play-off silverware.

"I wouldn't have signed if the club didn't have ambition, so it will certainly be an exciting season for us.”

Meanwhile, Aldridge has paid tribute to Baird after the 32-year-old announced he was to leave the Wildcats.

Baird has made 180 appearances for Swindon since joining for the 2009/10 season and the pair are such good friends that Aldridge was best man at Baird’s wedding.

“I want to thanks Joe for everything he’s done,” said Aldridge.

“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.”