SWINDON Robins boss Alun Rossiter has been appointed as the new Great Britain team manager, the Advertiser can reveal.

Rossiter takes over from outgoing GB chief Neil Middleditch after beating off competition from former Birmingham team manager Phil Morris, Coventry boss Gary Havelock and Rob Lyon of King’s Lynn.

The Robins boss was given the news this morning, after the three other candidates were notified.

Rossiter said: “I really can’t explain how proud I feel to have been given this job. I did apply for it five years ago, but now I truly feel it’s my time and I can’t wait to get started.

“What a great time to take over as Great Britain manager - I’m taking over when we have the World Champion, Tai Woffinden, in our corner.

“Everyone says the Americans over-achieved last year because of their will and their want, and because they had Greg Hancock. But we have Tai, and what he’s done should give everyone something to aspire to.

“It’s only in the last two years or so that Tai has really raised his game. Everyone should look at what he changed and how professional he is – and also his pure determination and will.

“I’m hoping the riders coming through, the likes of Craig Cook, Richie Worrall, Robert Lambert and several others, can aspire to Tai’s achievements, and if that happens we’re in a great position."