AFTER 492 outings in Swindon colours, and more than 12 years of service at the Link Centre, Lee Richardson will not be returning for the new campaign.

Throughout his career, the 34-year-old represented Swindon under the guise of Phoenix, who he made his debut for in 2000, as well as Lynx and most recently, the Wildcats.

But as the club prepares for life in the new-look National League South One, head coach Aaron Nell has opted not to bring the veteran back for the coming season.

Richardson, who is also a coach for his son Max’s Wildcats U9s side, says it was a mutually beneficial decision, as he couldn’t commit wholly to another gruelling season.

“With me moving on to the coaching side of it, I couldn’t commit,” said Richardson.

“To be honest, it was more of the club’s decision than my own - there wasn’t really space for me.

“It wasn’t going to work this year and being part of Swindon for 20-plus years, if you include playing juniors, it’s hard but it was always going to happen one day.

“The real time it will hit home will be on a Saturday afternoon at three o’clock when I am used to getting ready to leave for the rink.”

Having come through the ranks at Swindon, the D-man’s debut in the first team at the Link Centre came in 2000 before departing for Coventry Blaze in the Elite League in 2002.

Richardson also spent time at Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Devils and Basingstoke Bison before returning to the Wildcats in the 2007-08 season.

Richardson spent five years back at his boyhood club before joining Slough Jets in 2013.

However, the stay at the Hangar was short-lived and the former Great Britain U20s player was brought home later that term.

At the end of last season, Richardson was granted a testimonial, which will remain a fond memory as the curtain comes down on his time at Swindon.

“I have many good memories from the club. A testimonial is the second biggest honour you can have from a club, behind getting your shirt retired,” he added.

“It was a nice way to go out, to have that game and have people come from all over the country to see it and play in it.”

Wildcats player-coach Nell was quick to praise the professionalism and commitment shown by Richardson during his time at the club.

Nell said: “He will obviously be missed on the ice and around the dressing room but we’re happy he’s had a great career in Swindon and he’ll get to spend more time with his family.”