SWINDON Wildcats’ latest signing Robin Kovar sees no reason why his new side can’t aim for play-off success this season.

The Czech Republic centre has made the final of the English Premier League play-offs twice in his career but has yet to taste victory.

And having put an end to a troublesome time at financially-stricken Manchester Phoenix, Kovar believes that Swindon have the players to make an impact in the end of season show-down.

“With 16 games left, from a team view, I don’t think we can win the league but we can go up in the ranking,” he said.

“My goal and the reason I signed is because I think Swindon’s team is really good and I would like to make some real damage in the play-offs.

“I am looking to win the play-offs.

“I know it is going to be tough but I trust that the team is capable of doing it.

“It’s always been fun to play against Swindon. I think they are one of the best offensive teams in the league and I am happy that I am part of the group and I’ll try to fit in well and we can make something happen.”

Kovar will link up with fellow Czech national Jan Kostal and while he didn’t speak to the Wildcats skipper prior to the move, he is looking forward to the prospect of having him on his side for a change.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone about it, nobody knew until Thursday morning,” he added.

“We have always spoken when we have played against each other and he is a tough opponent, who always goes 100 per cent and I am glad he will not be chasing me into the corner and finish his checks – it might happen in training, I don’t know.”

The 32-year-old will be available for tomorrow’s visit of league-leading Telford Tigers before an emotional return to his former side Manchester, a game that is yet to be confirmed.

“It was very difficult for everyone (at Manchester) but we all tried to stick together because we thought we were going to have a new arena built,” he explained.

“We tried to stay positive about it, the people who work for the organisation always stayed positive but unfortunately it didn’t happen.

“To be honest, it wasn’t very enjoyable the last few months because we have been losing and we were short and didn’t have proper training.

“I had great years there and I will always have great memories but now it has passed and I am looking forward to my time with Swindon.

“It will be a tough challenge for me now because I haven’t skated for two weeks but I will work hard in training and I’ll be ready for Saturday.

“It would be nice to start with a win.”