Tigers lose the influential McKinney

Telford Tigers player-coach Tom Watkins has expressed his disappointment at the decision by Andy McKinney to jump ship for Hull Stingrays.

McKinney, voted player of month by fans in September and October, was introduced to Elite League Hull by Watkins just weeks ago, with the intention that the 20-year-old would play for both clubs on a two-way contract.

However, McKinney has decided to leave Tigers and move full time to Hull.

Watkins said: “Andy has been the heartbeat of this team and I won’t be able to replace what he’s brought to Tigers.”

“We know Tigers can’t offer a lot of money to players, but what we can offer them an opportunity to improve and showcase themselves at EPL level – and that’s what we did for Andy. I also personally opened the door for him to play for the Stingrays by doing the groundwork with their coach, Cloutier.”

“As a club, that is very much what we are here for – to help progress young players. However, right now I feel very let down. Not because we have lost Andy – I would happily support his move and completely understand his desire to play at a higher level. But I am very disappointed at the manner of his leaving, with no notice.”

“I asked if he could stay for this weekend, but it appears Hull’s Challenge Cup games are more important, despite the fact they cannot progress in that competition. We are powerless to stop him going immediately. It really leaves a sour taste; for me after what I’ve done for him, for his teammates who will have to battle on without him and for the fans who have really taken Andy to their hearts.”

With defenceman Adam Radmall still on the injury list and some younger members of the team likely to be selected for GB U20s duty in Germany in December, Watkins warns that the team is going to be down to its bare bones soon.

“I am looking at who might be available to help us, like Ross Venus is currently doing. He is a short-term addition to Tigers, but there are other young guys out there hungry for their chance to play at this level. Finding someone to fill Andy’s skates won’t happen overnight, so we will have to be patient ’till the right player comes along for us.”

Tigers next home English Premier League game is on Sunday (5.30pm) against Basingstoke Bison.