Telford Tigers retain their English Premier League stars
Telford Tigers have retained the core of the squad that has taken to them to a six-point lead at the top of the English Premier League.
A restructuring of the club's finances saw a number of players leave after new contracts were offered.
Slovakian forward Michal Satek, who has scored 12 goals this season, departed yesterday after the 30-year-old failed to agree terms on a new deal.
But with the club due to play Basingstoke and Sheffield this weekend, head coach Tom Watkins has secured the services of key Tigers players.
He said: "This week has required some very tough decisions, but I think that with the players who are staying, we have an extremely good team.
"Of course, there are a number of players yet to agree terms and negotiations are ongoing, but I am hopeful they will remain in Telford.
"We need to remember that we have two very important games coming up this weekend.
"I am now looking to bring in a new import and young British players to help further secure our place at the top of the league."
Those players who have so far agreed new terms with Tigers include Rick Plant, Sam Gospel, Sam Zajac, Sam Oakford, Danny Rose, Dan Scott, Adam Jones, Warren Tait, Corey McEwen, Jason Silverthorn, Doug Clarkson, Milan Kolena, Matty Davies and Adam Taylor.
The club had been under the threat of administration until new owners came forward.
Watkins said of Satek's departure: "Michal was offered a new contract but it wasn't something that both parties could agree on.
"He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club and our thanks for his contribution so far this season.
"I am proud of what this group of players has achieved, but we must look to the future, both for the team and the club as a whole."
Home-grown forward Rick Plant became the latest player to agree to stay last night.
The 39-year-old playmaker grew up in the Telford junior system before spending much of his career in Guildford.
He returned to Telford in 2013 and was a key part of the club's double-winning side the following season.
The Tigers are back in action this weekend when they travel to Basingstoke before hosting Sheffield Steeldogs at Telford Ice Rink.
