THE recruitment drive for next season is already well under way at the Link Centre as Stevie Lyle looks to take Swindon Wildcats to the next level.

With his 15 years’ experience of playing in the Elite League, as well as an international career that has spanned three decades and two seasons playing in Europe, Lyle is hoping to attract some top quality British players to Swindon next season.

The Welshman may have only been announced as the Wildcats boss two weeks ago but he has already been speaking to old friends about joining his plans for next term.

“I have got a lot of things in my head right now and a couple of guys down on paper that I would like to have in my team but I am sure a lot of other coaches around the league will be in the same pot,” he said.

“I have spoken to a couple of people already, just making sure they knew that I was the player-coach there next year and to see what their plans were.

“It’s been a lot of positive feedback, but until you get down to the nitty gritty of sorting out the actual contracts you never know, but I am excited.

“A lot depends on if they are going to go with this extra import in the Elite League as well.

“I’ve spoken to the guys that I want so they will all get back to me with whatever decision they make, whether that is that they want to talk more or stay in the Elite League.

“Most of the guys I have spoken to are Elite League players and I am just trying to build a stronger team.

“Probably half of them won’t work out but I am speaking to people and they are aware of what I am trying to do in Swindon.

“It’s nice catching up with the guys I haven’t spoken to for a couple of years.”

Lyle has already got the ball rolling on moulding his side for the next campaign with the announcement of Aaron Nell and Stevie Whitfield both signing contracts already and there are more in the pipeline.

“You have to start somewhere and Aaron is like having an import, he is a different class out there,” added the net-minder.

“Stevie has had a great season and you know what you get off Stevie. He works hard every shift and hopefully there is still more to come from him.”