Milton Keynes Lightning announced today that Andre Smulter is leaving the team after three consecutive seasons at the Thunderdome.

Lightning’s management confirmed that Smulter, 32, is not part of their plans for the 2011-12 season and is free to find a new team for the coming campaign.  Head coach Nick Poole said the club’s decision was prompted by the need to refresh  Lightning’s roster.

“Over the last couple of seasons, we’ve made very few changes to our overall line-up, but we feel that the time has arrived when a freshen-up is needed,” said Poole.  “The decision to let Andre go is a part of that process.  It was an incredibly difficult decision to make; Smults has been a fantastic servant to MK Lightning  in the three seasons he’s been with us, and we know how popular he is with his team-mates and obviously with the supporters.

“But this move is part of a much bigger picture, with the aim of helping the club make progress in the longer term.  On behalf of everyone at Lightning including our supporters, I want to thank Andre for everything he’s done for us over the last three seasons, and give him our best wishes for continuing success wherever he plays next.
 
The club's general manager Vito Rausa added, "We want to place on record our thanks to every single one of the supporters who have contributed towards Andre's wages over the last three years.  Lightning are lucky to have some of the most generous supporters in the EPL, and considering the economic climate that makes their contribution even more valuable.  Without their help, attracting players of Smults's calibre would be so much more difficult, so we wanted to say how much that assistance is appreciated."

Smulter was philosophical about the move, saying “Everything comes to an end – and this is my time to leave.  I’m happy we won the League title while I was here, but disappointed that we couldn’t add a play-off title.

“I want to thank the fans, the management but most of all the players in this team – we have the best team spirit here that I’ve ever been a part of in my whole career!  So I want to wish Lightning all the best for next season.  I’ve loved my three years in Milton Keynes so thankyou for being such a great club!”

Andre began his professional career in his native Finland before enjoying spells in Norway, Sweden, Asia and Italy prior to signing for MK Lightning in the summer of 2008.  His match appearances were limited in his second season as a result of injury, but in the season just ended the Finn scored 33 goals including two in the team’s recent play-off campaign.