Kilby following in Dad's footsteps after impressive Swindon win

LEE KILBY admitted it was an emotional evening for himself after guiding the Swindon Robins to an impressive 52-38 win over the Wolverhampton Wolves. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to the stand-in team manager following the result.

A big evening for Swindon Speedway saw club advocate Lee Kilby take over the role of team manager for one night only as Alun Rossiter departed for Russia with Team GB. And following the sides dominant display against Wolverhampton, Kilby expressed his delight at having had the chance to manage his boyhood team. 

“That was magic,” said Kilby. 

“We had that little wobble where Wolves got a couple of five ones but the boys dealt with it brilliantly.

“I didn’t have much to do really, it was a great win and I’m buzzing,” he said. 

Having been a speedway fan since a young age after watching his dad, Bob Kilby, race around the Abbey circuit during the 60s and 70s, the opportunity to manage the side his father once raced for meant more to Lee Kilby than anyone could imagine. 

And when speaking following the meeting, Kilby explained how much he had been thinking about his dad in the build-up to the race night. 

“It did [play on my mind] a little bit,” said Kilby.

“In the early days when of him not being here he was my every second thought really.

“Whereas now you tend to get on with what you’re doing. 

“I’ve thought about him loads over the last couple of days and everyone has said your dad would be proud and I think he would have been,” he said. 

A highly-contested meeting at the Abbey Stadium saw Swindon pushed all the way by their Midlands-based counterparts before wrapping up victory in heat thirteen. And Kilby admitted how things got a bit too close for liking at one stage following what looked set to be an impressive fightback from Wolverhampton. 

“We got criticism for getting a point away at Wolves which I couldn’t believe as it was a great point,” said Kilby.

“We knew this would be a tough meeting but all the boys did exactly what was required of them. 

“Jason’s a top captain and actually working in the pits tonight gave me a chance to see them all working closely together. 

“Things got a little bit close towards the end and tonight allowed me to see everything from a different perspective,” added Kilby. 

“It was great to see a big crowd out tonight and the atmosphere again was magic.

“A big thank you to the fans for coming,” he said.