RYAN Aldridge has done an awful lot for this club in his time here and has laid the foundations for what could be something that can just build and build.

Four or five years ago, we were constantly eighth or sometimes even missing the play-offs and now we are mid-table, so it is moving in the right direction.

I was a little bit surprised but Ryan has a lot of stuff going on now and he is just moving into the next stage of his life. It is obviously a big commitment and I think it will be a good move for him.

For me personally, he gave me a chance to play and showed a lot of faith when I wasn’t very good, so I owe quite a lot to Ryan for the opportunity to play and build me as a player.

Stevie Lyle is a hugely popular choice to come in next season as the head coach.

One, it means he is going to play for another season, which is a big thing for us, and the way he views the game is going to be key.

He is who I talk to a lot during the games. I will ask him a lot if that was ok or if I am doing the right thing and his view of the game is obviously a very good one.

Compared to other goalies I have played with, he is very relaxed.

Normally, goalies are very quiet and wouldn’t talk to anyone because they are quite superstitious but Lyle is very laid back and he’ll talk to everyone and is very easy going.

When we start playing, that intensity and the competiveness is there.

He has played all over the place as well, so he is going to have a lot of contacts for imports and has played at the top level here, so is going to know a lot of British players.

Especially with the rule changes, it could be an opportunity for him to pick up some experienced Elite League players and it is an exciting time in Swindon for hockey right now.

There is a feeling in the room that we owe Ryan a big performance for all the work he has put in.

We want to do something special for Ryan and hopefully we can put together some results and who knows, we might just snatch the play-offs for him.