RYAN FINNERTY’S record of longest-serving Braehead Coach has been extended even further with the news the Canadian has signed up for the new campaign.

The man who has delivered Clan two consecutive Gardiner Conference titles had a question mark over his future following anti-climactic end to his team’s campaign.

Following a third-placed finish in the EIHL, rivals Fife Flyers dumped the Glasgow club out of play-off quarter-finals.

It meant both parties were given a decision to make as to how to move forward, and it has now emerged the pair will remain united in their pursuit of title success.

Finnerty had a second-year option built in to the contract he signed last summer, and Gareth Chalmers, the Braehead hockey and operations director, has revealed the club are delighted to have activated the clause for the forthcoming campaign.

“We are delighted to welcome Ryan back for another season with the club,” he said.

“Ryan has brought the continued on ice progression that we’re looking for as an organisation and we’re looking forward to working with him again this season."

It also emerged yesterday that Jordan Cownie, Clan’s young British forward, has been released from his two-year contract 12 months early after it emerged he did not have a future on Clyde side.

Chalmers added: “Following discussions this past week with Jordan and Pete Russell [Milton Keynes Lightning Head Coach], in the best interests of all parties we have agreed to release Jordan from his two year contract with the club.

“We would like to wish Jordan all the best with the Milton Keynes Lightning and will continue to follow his career with interest.”