ALUN Rossiter has made his first big decision since taking over as Great Britain boss by appointing Tai Woffindon as the new national captain.

The Robins team manager has been in the role for a little over two weeks but has already decided to appoint world champion Woffinden as his skipper, replacing Chris Harris who captained the team in last summer’s World Cup.

Rossiter believes removing the captaincy from Harris will help relieve some pressure on him after he struggled last season and is convinced the time is right for Woffinden to lead his country.

“I went for Tai because I feel he is ready for the role. It’s with no disrespect to Bomber in any way, I just feel the opportunity to have the world champion leading our country at this time is the right thing to do,” he said.

“It’s a big year for Bomber, he is looking to regain some consistency in his league racing and he is also back in the Grand Prix which is going to be a lot on his plate and hopefully this will relieve some pressure on him.

“I know he will disagree with those sentiments, but you also have to consider how Tai has matured, how he has developed his fitness and diet, the way he deals with sponsors and the media and this is something I believe he deserves.”

Wolves number one Woffinden is proud to have been given the chance to lead his country and is now focussed on helping his side improve on last season’s dismal showing in the World Cup.

He said: “This is another very proud moment for me and a great way to start 2014.

“I was born in Scunthorpe, my family are all British and when I came back to the UK after spending my childhood in Australia I was keen to represent my country.

“I feel very proud and passionate and I know what it has meant to British speedway to have a British world champion. Now I hope I can play my part in helping us as a nation have a much improved World Cup and help some of the younger riders come through and realise their potential.”

Rossiter also revealed he is in conversation with former Swindon number one Scott Nicholls regarding a potential international return for the 35-year-old.