Import pair re-sign as Clarke quits
Long-serving captain going to Guildford Flames
Milton Keynes Lightning have been stunned by the news that one of their longest serving players, sharp-shooter Gary Clarke will not be back next season.
Thirty-year-old Clarke was one of the first signings made by player-coach Nick Poole when Lightning formed seven years ago.
And he has consistently been the club's top points scorer in the English Premier League – just two weeks ago he again picked up the trophy for achieving the feat again this season.
Poole said a contract offer was made to the Telford-born player but he had turned it down and has instead signed for EPL rivals, Guildford Flames who finished third in the league - a place behind Lightning.
Flames player coach Paul Dixon has embarked on a major clear-out of his squad from last season and has already brought in Nathan Rempel, Peterborough Phantoms' top scorer last year.
Dixon said he was surprised to have been able to land a player of Clarke's quality.
He said: "Heading into the off season we would have never envisaged having a British player of Gary's calibre."
It is Clarke's second spell with Flames having previously spent half a season there in 1999-2000.
But while Clarke may have gone Lightning have been quick to confirm the return of two imports, Czech born defenceman Lukas Zatopek and Finnish forward Andre Smulter.
Zatopek was voted best defenceman at the annual player awards.
Both made their debuts for the club at the start of last season and although they both had slow starts they made big contributions to the success of the team, particularly after Christmas.
Poole said of the giant Zatopek: "I'm very pleased to have him back. I think he was the league's best defenceman last year.
"He is a fantastic signing. Last year he got better and better as the season went on."
Poole described Smulter as a terrific player and a great goal scorer.
"These are two key players and we will be announcing more signings in the next few weeks."
With the departure of Clarke the coach will have to select a new captain.
Lightning have already announced the re-signing of Adam Carr plus Adam Brittle from Wightlink Raiders.
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Thursday 09 February 2012
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