NEWS: Esders happy to have best of both worlds

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intu Braehead Clan forward Lee Esders is pleased to get the best of both worlds after agreeing to return as injury cover.

Despite announcing his retirement at the end of last season, the Englishman has agreed to return as and when required, reuniting him with the club again.

And the draw of being able to work on his career away as well as continue to play was an attractive one for him.

“I’m delighted to be back in the Clan set-up,” the 28-year-old said. “Obviously it’s a strange one, after announcing my retirement, but this way, I’m getting the best of both worlds.

“It means I can still work full time and be there for the Clan if they need me if and when they pick up some injuries.

“Last season was a bit of a rollercoaster for me and I was finding the ice time was becoming less and less. I knew then that would be the case and I did consider calling it a day.

“I was still thinking that way when I left the Clan and after talking to Matt Towe and Danny Meyers, they persuaded me to head to Guildford Flames.

“It allowed me to gain experience in working in the field I am now and still keep playing so it was an opportunity to gain the qualifications I needed outwith hockey.

“It’s always been in the back of my mind to get on a career path outside the sport and when the ice time wasn’t forthcoming, it was a strange time.”

As Esders gets ready for a somewhat unexpected campaign, he revealed how he’s staying in shape for when he gets the call.

And admits the chance to return so soon after hanging up his skate caught him completely by surprise.

He added: “I’ve still been going to the gym, doing bits and bobs and playing golf to stay fit. Obviously that’s changed from when I played ice hockey full time.

“I’ve played under Finner for a while and we’ve built up a good relationship in that time so the chance came up out of the blue.

“It allows me to still do something I love while still building a career elsewhere.”

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