ROBINS boss Alun Rossiter has been backed by predecessor Neil Middleditch to make the most of his appointment as Great Britain boss.

Rossiter, who began his career at Blunsdon before scoring 1,660 points across 13 years at Wimborne Road, was announced as the Poole manager’s replacement in the national hotseat on Wednesday.

Middleditch, who has previously spoke out about the dearth of rising talent in British speedway, ended his second stint in the top job in November after the Brits finished last in the World Cup.

And while he admitted his old friend faced a tough task at the helm, the successful Pirates boss felt Rossiter’s selection was the right decision.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “Rosco is a lot like me. He has a passion for the sport and if anyone can get the best out of our young riders, it is him. There is no one better to inject that bit of enthusiasm into it.

“It is a tough old job, as I found out, but I am sure he is under no illusions about that and I wish him all the best.

“The youth structures are now being put in place but while that happens, we will be quite a way from being the force we once were years ago.”