STEVIE Lyle has made a dramatic return to Swindon Wildcats just over a week after leaving his role as head coach.

Last Friday, the Wildcats announced that the 35-year-old netminder, who stepped into the Link Centre hotseat in the summer, had stepped away from his position, with forward Aaron Nell – the son of Cats general manager Steve – taking temporary charge.

Following Lyle’s departure, Jordan Hedley played between the pipes for last weekend’s meetings with Guildford and Basingstoke.

But this lunchtime, the Link Centre outfit confirmed that Welshman Lyle is set to return to the Wildcats playing roster for the remainder of the current season, including for this weekend’s clashes with Milton Keynes Lightning and Baskingstoke Bison.

However, Lyle could yet be unavailable for Swindon in the coming weeks after agreeing to sign on as cover for Belfast Giants keeper Stephen Murphy, whose wife is due to give birth shortly.

Wildcats general manager Nell said: “Stevie will be returning as a player and we are delighted to have him back. Stevie is a great goalie and is a massive part of our club.”

Swindon have also announced that long-serving utility man Lee Richardson has been promoted to an assistant captain.

MORE ON THIS STORY IN TOMORROW’S SWINDON ADVERTISER