PLAYER-COACH Aaron Nell says he has a player he can ‘build a team around’ after securing the future of forward Chris Jones.

The 27-year-old Welshman was the club’s third top-scorer last season, notching 14 times despite suffering a long-term hand problem.

Jones arrived at the Link Centre last season and was a bit of a coupe for the Cats, as he had just come off the back of a treble winning season with his former side Cardiff Devils.

In his maiden year with the Wildcats he helped guide the club to a cup double, winning both the Autumn Cup and the National Cup.

Alongside experienced players such as Phil Hill, Max Birbraer and Jan Kostal, Jones helped add some winning experience to the roster.

Nell, who has already made nine additions to his team, says that Jones is a vital cog for the Cats if they are going to replicate the success of last season at the Link Centre.

“He gives us that little bit of speed as well, his best game last season was probably the second-leg against Basingstoke Bison,” he said.

“It’s great to have him back because he was one of the players who added that winning mentality to us last year.

“Chris is a player we can build a team around so it is great we have got him back with us again next season.”

The Cats were dealt a blow earlier this week as it emerged they would be without teenage duo Jordan Kelsall and Joe Hazeldine, the youngsters will remain at Nottingham Panthers next season.

Speaking about the Welshman, Nell says the 27-year-old was one the players he had earmarked as a priority to re-sign, but believes the former Cardiff Devil still has more to offer.

“He’s a player that I am delighted to have back. He was one of our best players last season and is probably one of the best British players in the league,”

“He was one of my priorities to bring back next year and I’m hoping he can do just as well as he did last year, this year, if not better.

“Chris is a big game player, sometimes it might look like he’s not having a great game but he does so many things on the ice.”