He was sacked as the Swindon Wildcats’ coach this week. Now, in his own words, Peter Russell reveals to the Adver the full story of his turmoil at the Link Centre.

There is never a great time to get laid off in any job, but in the current economic climate it’s even worse.

Steve Nell did mention that the money being paid to me was a factor. Maybe in the future they will go for a cheaper option of a player/coach.

To be honest I am totally gutted.When you’re third in the EPL and you’ve just beaten two of the best teams in the league it’s pretty hard to take.

I didn’t see the point in waiting about afterwards. I was quite emotional and I didn’t want the players to see me upset.

It’s true that the teams behind us have games in hand, but I still believe this team is good enough to get to the play-offs and maybe win something.

I worked hard, but maybe it wasn’t hard enough.

Right now I’m pretty sick of hockey. I have not enjoyed the last eight weeks one little bit, and that’s not down to anybody else but me.

I know I have let people down and let the team down in the last few weeks and I am not shy to say that.

I think I have got one or two things wrong of late, both tactically and emotionally and I’m disappointed with myself, but I don’t think that’s the reason I was sacked.

I don’t think I’m the best coach in the world either. I know there are areas that I need to improve on and I will go away and look at that.

I want to stress that I don’t have any hard feelings towards Steve Nell or the rest of the Wildcats management. I’m sure it was not an easy decision.

I’m sure I have made mistakes in the past, and Steve has let me get away with it.

Swindon Wildcats is about more than one person, it’s about the club. I wish whoever comes in all the best.

My plan now is to go back to Scotland for a while and see the family.

I know Steve Nell said I would walk straight into another job, and I’ve already had a couple of agents on the phone, but I need a rest.

I’ve got the Under 21 World Championships in January, and that will probably be the next time I put my skates on.

I really enjoyed my time at Swindon and I would like to thank all the players, coaching staff and the fans for their support.

I wish them all the very best for the future.