HIS players may still be nursing hangovers when Wightlink Raiders visit Wiltshire tomorrow, but Peter Russell insists his Wildcats will be the toast of the town by the final buzzer.

Head coach Russell surprised his roster on Tuesday night when he ordered them to put their skates away to take part in a team-bonding session.

The ale was flowing in the Link Centre dressing room as the Cats stars plotted how to transform their stuttering early-season form into an EPL campaign to be proud of.

"The boys came in on Tuesday to skate, but I just locked the changing room door and threw five crates of beer in the middle of the room," revealed Russell.

"It's something the teams do in Canada and they call it liquid cement.

"We just sat down and we talked. It was the best thing we could have done.

"It's the first time in a while I've seen them smile and relax and enjoy themselves.

"Each player set themselves some individual goals and hopefully they can deliver."

One such goal must surely be to produce a repeat of the 5-0 thrashing Wildcats dealt the Raiders two weeks ago.

Swindon complete their double-header on Sunday with a return match on the Isle of Wight, but Russell is keen not to heap too much pressure on his players' shoulders.

He said: "Whatever happens this weekend it is not going to change our season. I just want to see a good performance.

"Last Saturday against Telford killed our confidence and we need to get it back.

"When things are going badly people start to pick at you. But that's the time we need the most support.

"I'm not deaf. I know the fans are blaming me, but I'm working as hard as I can.

"People are welcome to attend any of our training sessions to see how hard the boys are working."

Russell admits the last few weeks have been among the most testing of his coaching career, but the Scot is adamant things will soon change for the better.

With space on the roster for another import, the Cats coach is hopeful he can find the right man to bring to best out of his British stars.

He said: "We will be looking for a replacement for Erik Bochna, but we also have a budget to stick to.

"Some teams are throwing silly money at players this season but we can't afford to do that.

"I have learned a lot about myself in the last few weeks, and so have the players.

"But I still firmly believe that this team will click, hopefully starting this weekend against Wightlink."

n Female fans of the Wildcats are invited to a special meet-and-greet event being organised by the Booster Club.

They have the opportunity to relax and be pampered in the presence of their favourite Cats players.

The evening will feature fun activities including Indian Head Massage, candles and arts and crafts and will be held at the Ibis Hotel West Swindon on Wednesday, November 14.

Doors open at 7.30pm and admission is £5 per person, which includes a complimentary drink.

For further information, contact Karen Black and Gina Bull on 0701 7018 658 or by email info@swindonwildcats.com.