WHEN it came to discussing a new deal with his hometown club, it didn’t exactly take Lee Richardson long to say ‘yes’ to a two-year contract extension with the Swindon Wildcats.

The 32-year-old has committed to two further seasons at the Link Centre, which will bring the versatile forward, who has also featured for the club in their previous Phoenix and Lynx iterations, to the end of a 10th season with the Wildcats.

Swindon-born Richardson, who began his youth career in the town, is also set to commemorate his lengthy Wildcats tenure with a testimonial match and the Link Centre stalwart is looking forward to hitting the ice as a Cat once again.

“I can’t remember how long ago it was that I spoke about it but as soon as Stevie (Lyle) talked to me about staying, I obviously didn’t really have to think about it,” said Richardson, who has also had spells with the Coventry Blaze, Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Devils and Slough Jets.

“I think I started playing hockey in 1990, so I’ve played something like 20 years in Swindon.

“Part of the deal is that I get a testimonial match at the end of the two years, which is great.

“I don’t know if that will be the end of my career because I think you just want to carry on playing as long as you can.

“I think that’s the mindset of any athlete.”

Richardson featured in both offensive and defensive roles last season, and is more than happy to continue on as a utility man.

He said: “When you’re an older player, you’re not worried about impressing other teams.

“You just want to do what’s best for your team and that’s what I’ll be doing.”

With the Lyle era beginning in earnest next season, Richardson is excited by the potential of the new-look Wildcats.

“I was here when Ryan Aldridge had his first season and his last. Things improved so much during his time in charge – I think they’re going to carry on getting better,” he said.

“The season before last, we didn’t really change anything and, no disrespect to that team but sometimes it’s nice to freshen things up.

“The team Stevie’s putting together looks really strong. We’ve got some older guys and some really good imports.

“There are some older players and then some young, hungry guys – there isn’t really anyone in the middle.”