SWINDON Wildcats have announced that centre Floyd Taylor will be returning for the 2020-21 season after penning a one-year extension at the Link Centre.

The 24-year-old will be entering his ninth season with his hometown organisation after playing 29 games during his debut season as a 16-year-old in 2011-12.

Taylor joins player-coach Aaron Nell, team captain Sam Bullas, Tomasz Malasinski, Chris Jones, Renny Marr, Stevie Whitfield, Tyler Plews and Neil Liddiard on the roster for the 20-21 season already.

Happy to have another key player locked down ahead of next season, Nell explained why the young forward was high on his list of players to retain ahead of the second National League season which starts in September.

He said: “I’m over the moon to be able to bring Floyd back for another year.

“He’s one of the most committed and hardworking players on the team and we all love him in the locker-room.

“Floyd is the epitome of an energy player, and the rest of the team can feed off him and the shifts he puts in.

“He has continued to improve this year and come up with some massive goals for us at crucial times.”

A fast skater, Taylor was also described as someone who is always ready to give 110 per cent on every shift he plays by Nell – a key attribute to a player in the Wildcats organisation.

The Swindon player-coach said it can be easy to forget that Taylor is only 24 years old and is coming into the prime of his career, but Nell has backed the hometown man to continue his rapid development at the Link Centre.

Nell said: “The National League has enabled Floyd to have more competitive ice time on a nightly basis, and I think opposition players don’t like playing against him because he’s improved so much. “We’re delighted to have secured his services again and I’m sure the fans will be pleased to see number 12 back at the Link next season.”

The Wildcats would like to thank Melanie and Nigel Beckett for their continued support of Floyd this year as sponsors.

Fans will be able to watch Taylor in action for the first time after signing his deal on Saturday as the Wildcats continue their hunt for the title with a home game against Leeds Chiefs.