ICE HOCKEY: Aldridge to concentrate on coaching role (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Wildcats player-coach Ryan Aldridge will only don his skates in an emergency

9:00am Thursday 26th July 2012 in Sport

SWINDON Wildcats' Head Coach Ryan Aldridge will not be taking to the ice in the forthcoming season - unless there is an injury crisis at his Wiltshire-based club.

Aldridge, 34, has combined playing and coaching duties in the past but now feels it is time to take a back seat and is confident that his strong squad no longer requires his services. "I've been considering it since re-joining the Wildcats and I feel that now is the right time," he said.

"We have the line-up at the club that can make it happen and I'm really looking forward to being behind the bench."

The announcement will certainly come as a surprise to the Wildcats faithful who have enjoyed watching Aldridge notch 182 appearances over the last four seasons.

Aldridge added: "I am not saying I am retiring, and with injuries and other obstacles, I may be called in to action once again, so I will be keeping myself fit.

"I'm hoping that I won't be needed as I would like to be able to give 100 per cent effort to the coaching side of the game."