Wildcats Dealt Offensive Blow

The Swindon Wildcats have been dealt an early New Year set back to their EPL campaign with the shock news that popular forward Nicky Watt has asked to leave the club, citing personal reasons behind his decision to hand in his notice.

Speaking after receiving the request Head Coach Ryan Aldridge said: "It is certainly tough news to deal with in losing Nicky, especially as we are also without Richie [Lee Richardson] and [Jamie] Hayes who are remaining on the treatment table for the foreseeable future, it will leave us very short up front. "I know it's been a tough decision for him to make though and I fully understand the reasons he has given me and we have to accept that."

The 26-year old originally joined the club back in the 2008-09 season and made 47 appearances scoring 10 goals and racking up 20 assists for 30 points. He then moved along the M4 to the Bracknell Bees before returning to Swindon in time for the start of the 2011-12 season, and has gone on to feature in 74 of the clubs games, scoring 31 goals and making 41 assists for 72 points since his return.

Speaking on his decision to leave, Nicky said: "Firstly I would like to take this chance to thank Ryan [Aldridge] for his understanding throughout this situation. "It was a very difficult decision for me to make, and one that was made with a very heavy heart.

Aldy has been extremely professional and understanding and I can't thank him enough for that. "I've chosen to move on for several reasons which I will leave between myself and Aldy and hope that the fans respect that, but I'm leaving on good terms and feel that Swindon have an ever improving organisation which is one of the most professional in the EPL.

Concluding, the player also added his thanks to the clubs backroom staff saying: "I'd also like to publicly thank the club physio, Kate. She has been fantastic for the team this season, especially for me and she has helped me through all my injuries and niggles and she has been invaluable."

Nicky remains available for this weekend's double road trip to the Sheffield Steeldogs [Saturday 05th January] and the Telford Tigers [Sunday 06th January] and then the following weekends double header against the Bracknell Bees [at the Link Centre on Saturday 12th January and away on Sunday 13th January).