Matt Haywood has signed a new three-year contract with Braehead Clan.
The 26-year-old has been at the club since its formation in 2010 and is the last of the original team that played under Bruce Richardson during that inaugural season.
The new deal will also include a richly deserved testimonial to mark ten years at the club when it comes around.
Haywood is looking forward to working with the new coach, John Tripp, and from first impressions is a fan of what his new boss wants to bring to the team.
“It’s good and we’re heading in the right direction,” he said. “From what I hear of Mr Tripp he likes his hard work and rewards his hard workers, which is what I want and what I think the fans want too.
“I didn’t know much about him, but when I found out I researched him. He’s got good references and everyone speaks highly of him.
“I’ve heard he’s fitness orientated and if a guy like Paul Gardner says nothing but good things about him, then I’ll take his word for it.
“But time has definitely flown in my time at the club. I first arrived as a young kid in 2010 and I’m not so young now.
“I’ve grown up in this team, going from an 18-year-old kid to a 26-year-old father. I don’t think it could be any more poles apart. It was the best direction ever.
“I feel like I’m loyal and I think the fans appreciate that loyalty and I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me down the years.”
Clan’s Hockey and Operations Director Gareth Chalmers added: “In all the changes there’s been at Braehead, Matt has seen it all and experienced everything there is to experience at this club.
“He’s very much the cornerstone of the team and giving him a three-year deal is a reward of his loyalty, as well as a richly deserved testimonial, which will be an amazing event when it comes.
“Matt has literally grown up with the club and has put down roots here, with a young family by his side so is truly a Braehead man through and through.
“His popularity with the fans has never wavered and they’ll be delighted to not only see him back with the team, but will be delighted at the thought of a testimonial as well.
“For us, there was never a question of whether Matt would be back or not and we’re delighted to have him on board once again.”
(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)
