CAPTAIN Jan Kostal has urged a unified mentality as he looks to lead Swindon Wildcats to more success this season.

Kostal skippered Swindon to triumphs in both the NIHL Cup and Autumn Trophy last term, with the latter competition ushering in the new competitive campaign this weekend when the Cats face a home and away double header against Hull Pirates.

Czech ace Kostal is set to begin his sixth season on the Swindon roster, and fifth in a row as club captain, with the 38-year-old saying a unified spirit will be key to their ambitions in 2018-19.

“I really enjoyed last season and now I am really looking forward to the new season. I can’t wait for the first game,” said Kostal.

“I love the responsibility of being captain, but it is not about the C on your chest, it is about the team symbol on the jersey. We are here together, and we want to win every game.

“I think there probably is a bit more pressure on us this season, but there was pressure on us at the end of last season and we played well.

“The guys are ready for what is ahead. It will be another hard season, but I think we can be successful again.”

Player-coach Aaron Nell has managed to retain 14 members of last season’s successful squad, as well as adding several exciting new additions over the summer.

Kostal believes the roster is in good shape and is excited about what lies ahead at the Link Centre.

“Our team looks amazing, but now it is about how we start the season. The start of the season is the most important thing and setting out how we want to play,” said Kostal.

“We have some young guys and they can build their experience game after game and get better and better.

“Last season, we were strong in the hard situations of big games. In the difficult games, we showed we could win.

“We have that experience of the pressure and I think we can beat everybody when we are strong like this.”