Axed Stead leaves door open for Blunsdon return (From Swindon Advertiser)

SWINDON ROBINS: Axed Stead leaves door open for Blunsdon return

6:00am Tuesday 27th November 2012 in Sport By Ned Payne

SIMON Stead has the left the door open for a return to Swindon and admits he would have stayed with the Robins had he been ‘wanted’.

The Sheffield-born charger was told on Sunday that his services were not required for the 2013 campaign, leaving his hopes of a fifth consecutive year at Blunsdon in tatters.

However, Stead will remain a club asset, meaning the Robins will have first refusal on his services in future seasons.

And when asked if he would be in favour of a return, the 30-year-old said: “There’s always that chance, but I don’t know what will happen.

“I don’t know what my immediate future holds but the fact of the matter is I’m still a Swindon asset. I guess they’ve got first shot on me if we find ourselves in a different position next year.

“That said, if my last meetings for the club were in the play-offs then that’s not a bad way to go out.”

Although downhearted at the prospect of not racing for Elite League reigning champions Swindon in 2013, Stead admitted he understood why the decision had been made.

He said: “It’s difficult.

“Any speedway rider at the end of any season becomes just another number and unfortunately if you don’t fit you’re not in.

“I would have stayed and been loyal to this club if they had wanted me - I would have been back. They have chosen to go down another route and it’s obviously disappointing but there’s nothing I can do about it.

“I can’t make the club want me, if they did I’d be there.”