Lightning have just enjoyed their most successful season since 2006 – but ultimately they failed to land any silverware.

After finishing second in the English Premier League they lost to Peterborough Phantoms in the final of the play-offs.

Already, though, it is clear that they have to rebuild for next year with the departure of two key first line forwards, Joakim Wiklander and Gary Clarke.

At Christmas the city side were struggling in the lower end of the EPL and trophy glory looked unlikely.

The signing of Wiklander changed Lightning's fortunes – and Clarke definitely benefited from the Swede's addition.

Phantoms completed a clean sweep of all three trophies but they too will be a changed side with Nathan Rempel having gone to Guildford Flames and Craig Peacock to Belfast Giants.

Clarke will be a hard act to follow, having dominated the scoring for the club over seven years.

Player coach Nick Poole has long admired Adam Brittle who has just signed for the team.

But whether he is able to fill Clarke's boots is a big ask. Certainly he has impressed on his previous teams, none of whom have set the league alight.

Equally important for Poole will be signing a high calibre import forward who can not only score the goals but create chances for the British contingent.

What is certain is that next year's EPL will be more competitive than ever with the addition of Basingstoke and possibly other teams.