GENERAL manager Steve Nell believes the current Swindon Wildcats team is the best assembled since he has been at the club.

Nell has been involved with the Link Centre club for eight seasons, and believes it will be fitting for the current crop of players to grace finals weekend for only the second time in their history.

A two-legged clash with Manchester Phoenix stands between Cats and a trip to Coventry, and Nell is convinced it is in their grasp.

“I have to say that this is clearly the best side that has been put together in the time I have been here,” he told the Advertiser.

“There are some great individual players in the side, and they all fit together to play well as a team.

“Over the last few years we have made sure we improve the team year on year, and I think we are seeing that with the team we have managed to put together for this season.

“We score a lot of goals which is obviously pleasing, but we defend well too.

“We seem capable of scoring every time we go forward, which causes problems for other teams.

“I think we have also had better netminding this season than we have had in the past, and I think that has gone a long way towards building confidence throughout the side.

“Aaron Nell and Jonas Hoog have grabbed headlines with the goals they have scored, but it is a team effort and a lot of players have contributed to a very good season so far.

“But the job is not done yet, and I believe reaching finals weekend would cap off the season.

“We deserve to get there and I think we will get there, because of all the hard work we have put in as a club over the last few weeks and months.”

Nell has called on the people of Swindon to pack the Link Centre for tomorrow night’s first leg, and roar the side on against the Phoenix.

“The players love to play in front of a big home crowd, and if we can produce that this time I know it will push them on to get the win,” he said.

“We are expecting it to be busy tomorrow night, and that almost acts as a sixth forward on the ice, the fans really can have that much of an impact.”

Tickets are still available for the game, priced at £12.50 for adults, £9.50 for concessions and £5.50 for children.

There are also a range of family tickets available, which can be bought direct from the Link Centre or by calling 01793 886 857.

For more information email office@swindonwildcats.com.