RYAN FINNERTY believes Chris Holt is the only netminder big enough to fill the massive void left by the departure of cult hero goalie Kyle Jones.

News emerged at the weekend that Jones, who won two Player of the Year awards last term, would not be returning for a third year in Glasgow.

It came as a blow to the Purple Army who had grown immensely fond of the 31-year-old Canadian who Finnerty often referred to as the best shot stopper he had worked with.

Just a day later it was then announced that the experience Holt was on his way to the Braehead Arena as Jones’ replacement.

Having spent three years in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League), the 30-year-old even made it into the league’s All-Star game in 2012.

Finnerty acknowledged the pain at having to tell Jones he was not being offered a new deal.

The Clan head coach said: “Probably the most difficult decision of my coaching career was not to re-sign Kyle Jones.

“It was very, very hard to explain our decision to him, however we’re in a business where sometimes we have to make these difficult calls.

“Kyle has been an integral part of our progress on the ice and was certainly someone I was considering bringing back for another season.

“I have the upmost respect for Kyle, he will be missed by many of the guys in the room. I’d like to wish Kyle and Heidi all the best for the future, we’ll certainly never forget them and they will always be welcome back here.”

However, Finnerty was keen to accentuate the qualities of the 6ft 4in, 103kg star that will be between the pipes this season.

He said: “Having the opportunity to sign a former KHL All Star was an opportunity not many clubs at our level can turn down.

“In terms of his resume, Chris has to be one of the best netminders to come to the UK during the EIHL era.

“When we became aware that Chris was available it’s something we started investigating but felt it was always a long shot.

“We started talking and it became apparent that a deal was possible, so Gareth [Chalmers, Clan hockey director] pushed forward and finalised the details this week.

“Chris brings size, agility and experience to the net which we feel can push us on to the next level.

“When you look at the majority of the top NHL netminders these days, they’re big and cover the net well – which he will bring to us.”