Croft remains popular with Tigers fans

Telford Tigers' former captain Daniel Croft has come out of semi-retirement by deciding to return to the club.

The defenceman, 31, has played all but one of his seasons with Telford - with the other at Milton Keynes.

"Croft is an experienced defenceman and I think he has a lot to give this team," said player-coach Tom Watkins.

Croft, who lives and works locally, opted not to play at all last year while the Tigers were mothballed ahead of their Supporters Trust takeover.

"Although I talked to other English Premier League clubs, travelling wasn't really feasible for me," said Croft.

He is exactly what I want him to be - a defensive defenceman. I can trust him to do that role, not over elaborate or do something unexpected Telford player-coach Tom Watkins

"I took a year out, and as the Tigers are coming back, the timing is good for me to start playing again.

"I've kept going on the ice, training with the Telford Titans, to help me keep my fitness levels up and maintain the sharpness.

"But the year out has reignited by passion for hockey. I did miss it and I'm looking forward to getting back."

Watkins told BBC Radio Shropshire: "I expect Croft to be something of a leader, on and off the ice.

"He is exactly what I want him to be - a defensive defenceman. I can trust him to do that role, not over elaborate or do something unexpected.

"He's not flashy, he gets on with his job and it is being that known quantity that makes him successful, especially with so many younger players on the team."

Tigers have set up their first game as a supporters' trust - a friendly fixture on 4 September at Elite League side Coventry Blaze - the side for whom Watkins played for 10 years before joining Telford this summer.

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