EXCLUSIVE: Swindon Robins boss Alun Rossiter on recruitment and upcoming season

As team managers up and down the country frantically try to secure riders' signatures for the upcoming speedway season, the winter break is certainly a stressful time of the year for those at the helm of British racing clubs.

 

With three riders already committed to the long-term future of the Swindon Robins, including world number five and captain Jason Doyle, it is clear Rossiter wants to get his squad completed as soon as possible.

 

With a 50-point squad average being introduced, along with a rule that creates extremely high averages for top riders participating in Britain’s top league, Rossiter admits it was not easy to try and fit Doyle into the 2017 squad.

 

But whilst other sides have dropped their top riders in an attempt to even out their squads, Rossiter tells Total Sport that, despite his injury, Doyle was always going to be kept on for next season.

 

“I never really considered leaving Doyley [Jason Doyle] out of our side for the new season," Rossiter began.

 

“I think over the years Swindon have been honourable and loyal to their riders, and with Doyle committed to British Speedway it was a no-brainer to keep him.

 

“With the new average rulings there is of course the point that we may become too top heavy having Jason in the side with his high average, but we are running with it and seeing how it goes."

 

And when asked for his opinion on the new average rulings set by the BSPA, Rossiter said:

 

“In my opinion all averages should have been capped at 12 points.

 

“If the rule has been introduced to cut costs which some say is the reason, then I don’t think it is going to work because riders behind the number one will just charge more.”

 

With rulings stating each Premier League side must include at least two British riders in their squads, the race for talented homegrown signatures is certainly heating up. For Swindon this is no different, as boss Alun Rossiter told of his delight at securing talented youngster Adam Ellis for the 2017 season.

 

“I tried to get Adam Ellis signed up with us last year but we were unable to get him, so I am extremely delighted to have him here now," Rossiter continued.

 

“Adam is a really talented rider and everyone recognises the fantastic ability that he has.

 

“Last season Adam was at his best, you only have to look at how well he rode in the rider championships to see this.

 

“Adam is on a relatively high average but whilst it is a numbers crunching game, we think he will be a great addition to the side.”

 

With two signings secured, Thursday saw the Robins announce the capture of French ace David Bellego as Rossiter continued his search for signatures. And whilst the capture of Bellego may come as surprise to some, the Swindon manager tells of how he is confident in the Frenchman’s abilities.

 

“David was number one at the Redcar Bears last season, so whilst he did not ride in Britain’s top league last season, I have no worries he will fit in to our side well.

 

“From what I saw of him riding in Denmark last season it’s easy to see how quickly he is improving and I’m sure he will continue progressing at Swindon.

 

“David was making noise that he wanted to come to Swindon so it’s always great when you secure a rider who wants to sign for you.”

 

While signing riders is the most important thing for team managers, the ability to keep a close relationship with riders who you have to let go is something Rossiter believes you need to be able to do successfully as a team manager, and with the announcement that Australian Justin Sedgmen won’t be returning to Swindon, Rossiter has this to say on a rider he calls his friend.

 

“The decision not to keep Justin [Sedgmen] for next year is an unfortunate one and a decision I don’t take lightly.

 

“But with this process being a numbers crunching game, I had to put personal friendships aside and focus purely on what I saw in the pits and on track last season.

 

“He is probably pretty peed off with me and I understand that but hopefully he can find a British team for the new season.

 

“Everyone is quick to praise you when you’re riding well, and equally quick to knock you down when things aren’t going so well but I hope to see Justin racing in Britain next season.”

 

And finally with work now fully underway on a new Speedway track for the Swindon Robins next season, team manager Alun Rossiter spoke of how he believes the new stadium will only help to attract more riders to Wiltshire in future seasons.

 

“It’s great to have the work beginning for the new stadium now underway.

 

“We will be riding at the Abbey for the start of the season and then move over to the new place as soon as possible.

 

“The amount of practice we will put in at the new track will be great so there shouldn’t be any problems adjusting to the new track.”