SIMON Gustafsson is convinced a change of scene will do him good after penning a deal to ride for Swindon in 2014.

The Swede has only ridden for Eastbourne since beginning his British career in 2007, but is now set for a fresh challenge at the Abbey Stadium after joining the club on a 5.17 average.

Gustafsson scored 10+1 at Blunsdon for the Eagles last season, and 7+1 on both his previous visits in 2011, and while he admitted the track is not a particular favourite of his the 23-year-old is pleased to have the chance to make an impression at a new club.

“I’m looking forward to it although I said before I would stay at Eastbourne if I stayed in England, but Rosco has offered me a great chance and I’m really pleased to move to a club like Swindon,” he said.

“I think I needed a change having been at Eastbourne so long and I’m looking forward to it. It’s not my favourite track particularly but I seem to go good round there.

“I’ve never ridden with any of the other riders before so I want to get to know them and get a good team spirit and try to take back the title. We all want to be part of a winning team because that’s a huge part of sport and I’m really up for it.”

Robins team manager Alun Rossiter is pleased with his new recruit, having previously ridden alongside Gustafsson’s father Henka, and has backed the Swede to be a success in his new surroundings.

“I always look for a rider who has more to come and with no disrespect to Eastbourne he’s stagnated a bit, even Trevor Geer (Eastbourne team manager) has said that.

“I’ve seen Simon blast around the outside of Leigh Adams at Swindon and he won a couple of races against us this year, so I just think he has something about him and needs a new challenge.

“Sometimes you can be at a club and sit comfortable, so this is a good chance for him to kick on.

“He’s very laid back and a likeable character, so he should fit in fine.

“I raced with his dad Henka at King’s Lynn and I remember watching Simon on a bike at a World Under 21 meeting and thinking he was he spitting image of his dad.

“He’s young still and this fresh challenge will help him improve, so I’m really excited about it.”

Gustaffsson joins new skipper Troy Batchelor, number one Peter Kildemand and Aussie Nick Morris in the main body of the Robins side, with 4.47 for the fifth and final member.