SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell admitted that it wasn’t a straight-forward decision when filling his final import spot but believes he has made the right choice with Max Birbraer.

With Swindon dropping down to National League South One for the 2017/18 campaign, the club will be restricted to just two import players, having enjoyed the luxury of five last term.

As a result, Nell was forced to think long and hard about how he utilised those spots and is confident that by adding Birbraer for a second season at the Link Centre, he has a player who will give their all every game.

“There were some options there and weighing things up and looking at everything, I think Max is the one where he had a good end to the season and I think that he is going to be a massive part of our team next season,” he told the Advertiser.

“I had talks with lots of agents and was just seeing what was out there and once we found out about Tomasz (Malasinski not returning) we knew we would definitely have to sign another import - Max was the one that I was pretty sure about straight away.

“He brings an awful lot and he is a bit of an all-rounder.

“He does bring that physical side to his game but I think next season it will be important for him to produce more offensively but he will also be put in more positions to produce that.

“Going into the new league, there are going to be a few smaller rinks and I think Max likes playing on a small ice pad and I think that is where he will be successful.”

With the two places now taken, captain Jan Kostal having already signed, that means that there is no place for a return for fans’ favourite Jonas Hoog or Robin Kovar.

While, Nell concedes it is difficult to see two talented players depart, he is sticking by his guns with the route he is taking for next season.

“Hoogy has been here a long time and I spoke to him this week and he was understanding of the situation,” he added.

“He has been a great player for our club and I don’t think he was quite at his best at the end of last season but if we decided to have him, he would have been the best or second best import in this league.

“It was just a different direction we wanted to go, and the same with Robin, and we wish them both all the best.”