SWINDON Wildcats’ Max Birbraer admits it didn’t take much thought to agree to stay at the Link Centre for another season.

Following the reshuffle in the league structure, the Cats have seen several changes in their roster, most notably departures for imports Tomasz Malasinski and Jonas Hoog, plus netminder Stevie Lyle.

But with captain Jan Kostal already re-signing, Birbraer fills the other allocated slot for the number of imports allowed next season.

The Wildcats have dropped down to NIHL South One and Birbraer acknowledges there will be more pressure for silverware next season, something the 36-year-old is looking forward to.

“It was an easy decision to be honest and once the dust has settled on the league it was easy, I was happy with how I was treated last year so it was a bit of a no-brainer,” said Birbraer.

“The league is an unknown for all the EPL teams dropping down, but it’s also new for the teams who are down there.

“The level is going to be raised a bit and it will be hard to predict, so we will have to wait to see what it is like in the first few games.

“Aaron (Nell) has made it clear we have to raise our bar in terms of results. Before we would say we’ll try for a trophy, but now I think it is a definite aim.

“I think trophies is a goal for this year. It doesn’t matter what level you play at, winning a trophy is something special for the players and the town of Swindon.”

So far the club have a total of nine players for next season and Birbraer is encouraged with how the roster is shaping up so far.

With Lyle’s shock exit, the Cats opted to bring in 19-year-old Renny Marr to replace the experienced Welshman and Birbraer thinks he is a more than adequate addition.

“I was sad to see Stevie go, I haven’t spoken to him about how things unfolded for him but as far as Renny Marr is concerned I think he is very capable,” he added.

“He proved last year that he was capable and Aaron thinks he is good enough to be on our team so we are excited.

“It’s good. We are building a team, there are always going to be changes.

“Everyone who played last year was a cracking guy so if we can have a lockeroom like that this year it’s another boost for us.”