FORMER Swindon defenseman Paul Swindlehurst believes the Wildcats can take a lot of credit for his move to Elite League side Dundee Stars.

The youngster spent two years at the Link Centre during which he represented his country at Under 20 level, and performed well at the back during two campaigns where Wildcats had one of the English Premier League’s most dangerous attacks.

Swindlehurst was quick to thank everyone involved with the Wildcats for the help he received while in Wiltshire, but admitted a move to the Elite League with Dundee was one he simply couldn’t turn down.

“I am very happy to have this opportunity and I can’t wait for the challenge and the responsibilities which go with it, and I just want to play at the best level in Britain,” he said.

“It all started happening a week after the season ended, but it was a no brainer to step up and take the opportunity when it was put in front of me like this.

“I have progressed a lot during my time in Swindon and I can’t say thanks enough to everyone who has cheered me on and supported me, and the fans have been amazing wherever we have played.

“Ryan (Aldridge, head coach) and Pete (Russell, former bench coach) were amazing and all my teammates were amazing, so I owe an awful lot to the club and everyone involved there.

“If it wasn’t for Swindon I wouldn’t be able to move up, so I can’t say thanks enough to everyone who has helped me along because I wouldn’t have got this opportunity.”

Swindlehurst is determined to keep a firm eye on what is going on at the Link Centre, and hopes the Wildcats’ staff, players and fans will follow his career as he progresses.

“I will keep in touch with everyone I’m sure and see how they are doing, and send texts out when they have a good weekend in the league,” he said.

“They have put me here and have put me where I am, so hopefully they will follow me too.

“Swindon will always be the club that set me up playing senior hockey, so I hope they can have a bit of pride with how I am getting on.”

Dundee coach Jeff Hutchins is pleased to have got his man, and backed Swindlehurst to a success in the top tier.

"Paul has been on my radar for quite some time and I have heard nothing but good things about him as a player and a person,” he said.

“He has had offers from Erhardt conference teams and I am happy that he has chosen to come to Dundee.

“ I’m bringing Paul here to be a physical force that's good defensively and can log minutes."