Troy tries to ignore speculation (From Swindon Advertiser)

SWINDON ROBINS: Troy tries to ignore speculation

6:00am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Sport By Andy Warren

SWINDON target Troy Batchelor is simply focusing on riding his bike as the tug of war between the Robins and Peterborough continues.

Both clubs have so far been unable to agree deals which would allow Batchelor and his Elite League title-winning captain Hans Andersen to return to Blunsdon, with the Panthers only wishing to sell the Australian to the Robins on a full transfer.

The 25-year-old is currently in Australia competing in his national championship, and although he has been given assurances he will not be prevented from returning to the Abbey Stadium, he is keen to see the clubs come to an agreement as soon as possible.

“I don’t really know what is going on at the moment because I am on the other side of the world, and I can only go on what people are telling me,” he said.

“It is down to the clubs now, but I want to be back and I hope I can be back.

“They have put in an offer to buy Hans and I think they will see if they can buy me at the end of the season, and I am sure that in the next week or so things will be sorted out and we can be on our way for 2013.

“We have exchanged a few emails and stuff, and I want to go back to Swindon which I don’t think Peterborough really have a problem with. They want the money which is why they want a full transfer, but it is not down to me.

“I have told it will be sorted and I just want to get underway now, they can’t get in the way of me riding because they can’t tell someone where they have to work.

“All I want to do is ride my bike under the rules, and I don’t think the fans need to worry too much about it.”

If and when Batchelor does secure a return to the Abbey Stadium, he is convinced the Robins will have another successful season having kept Andersen, Peter Kildemand and Nick Morris from last year’s side.

“If me and Hans do sign it looks as if they have put together another good team,” he said.

“They were never going to be able to keep everyone after last year, but if me and Hans go back then they will have kept four which is great.

“Nick is a great rider with a lot left in him, and Pete was great last year and I am sure he has even more to give and his average probably doesn’t reflect how good he was last year. He has a lot of speed and he needs to focus on finishing races because he had a few crashes and breakdowns last season.

“Edward Kennett has a bad year last year and I am sure he can put something on his average, and a key to winning teams is to have guys who can improve themselves like Doyley (Jason Doyle) did last year.

“Rosco has built a good team and I am sure we will be strong.”