SWINDON Wildcats head coach Ryan Aldridge has said that it is unlikely that the club will find a replacement for Henri Sandvik before this weekend.

Aldridge and general manager Steve Nell have been working tirelessly this week to try and find an automatic replacement for the Finnish forward.

However, it looks like they will not have a new body in before this weekend’s clash at the Link Centre against Peterborough Phantoms.

Sandvik requested that his contract be terminated on Monday in a meeting with Aldridge and is thought to be joining up with a team in Europe.

The Link Centre boss has been in talks with agents but has already had two players turn a move to Swindon down because they are looking to play at a higher standard.

Aldridge has until the end of January to complete a signing but is hoping to get it done sooner with the Challenge Cup semi-final against Manchester Phoenix in mind.

“We’ve had a few disappointments over the last few days with a couple of the guys who didn’t end up working out so we are still searching,” said Aldridge.

“It hasn’t worked out at their end, both guys wanted to play at a higher level in the end.

“We are still talking to agents, it feels like every minute of every day, it is just trying to get guys who want to play at this level.

“Whoever we get in needs to be good and bring something to the side.

“We would like someone in for the cup games as well, so as soon as possible we would like someone in to the side.”

Swindon were boosted last week by the arrival of Nottingham Panthers D-man Sam Oakford, who made an immediate impact and partnered up well with Kenton Smith in the Cats’ 3-2 win over Bracknell Bees.

Oakford joined last weekend on a two-way deal with Ollie Betteridge playing both games over the weekend for Nottingham Panthers before being involved in Sunday’s match, in which he went off injured.

Aldridge has not yet confirmed whether the 24-year-old will be available this weekend but will be speaking to the Panthers to try and get him involved.