Telford Tigers release Chris Allen

Telford Tigers have released defenceman Chris Allen with immediate effect as they look to balance the books.

Allen was the highest-paid player at the club, and officials have to keep within their budget.

Player-coach Tom Watkins said: "I am enormously disappointed to be losing such an experienced player and wish Chris well.

"I have great respect for him as a player and I'm sure he will be an asset at any future club.

"The fact is that despite Tigers having a very conservative business plan, the club is not currently meeting its targets for sponsorship and supporters.

"As Chris was by far our highest paid player, I needed to make a decision for the good of all the lads on the team, before finances became an issue, and also to ensure Chris was able to make the most of his opportunities.

"The club's focus remains to be as competitive as we can in the English Premier League and to push for a place in the play-offs.

Chairman Alan Gould added: "We are very sorry to be losing a member of the team but as a club we felt this was the right time to take action.

"The board of the supporters trust is 100 per cent behind whatever decisions Tom makes regarding playing staff.

"The trust continues to seek sponsorship, build trust membership and bring more people to the sport. Our ambition remains to secure the long-term viability and success of Premier League ice hockey in Telford."

Gould did not rule out the possibility of replacement signings in the future.

Tigers' next home match is this Sunday (5.30pm) against league champions Milton Keynes Lightning.

Team and ticket information can be found on www.telfordtigers.co.uk