ROBINS boss Alun Rossiter has issued a heartfelt appeal to Swindon's speedway fans to play a crucial role as his side prepare to battle Coventry Bees in the Elite League play-off semi finals.

Rossiter's men will face the Bees home and away in the Elite League play-off semi finals, firstly at Brandon Stadium next Monday, September 29 for the first leg followed by the return at the Abbey Stadium a week later on Monday, October 6.

It will be a third successive appearance for the Swindon men in the play-off picture, having bowed out in last year's semi finals after winning the title in 2012.

And 12 months on from the financial problems that threatened the very future of the club - the Robins eventually being rescued by sponsors' generosity - Rossiter has urged the Swindon public to turn out in force for the denouement to the campaign.

"The biggest thing for us after the season we had last year is that we're calling on the fans to help us out,'' said the Blunsdon team boss.

"The play-offs are where we can redeem the financial side of the club. In many ways, being in them is more important than actually winning it (the title).

"After last year, with everything that went on, we are relying on the fans to come out in force because we need them as a club.''

While the Robins' finances are on a much more even keel now, with a new stadium also looming into view on the horizon, Rossiter senses a chance to build towards a strong new era.

"We won it (the Elite League) in 2012 and were in the play-offs last year, but the club nearly went under and we need support more than ever so we can set about securing the long-term future of the club,'' he added.

Rossiter however, is not losing sight of the shorter-term goals.

On facing Coventry in the play-offs, he said: "The thing is, it was out of our hands (the identity of their opponents). As I've stated, we've just got to do what we've got to do.

"Everyone seemed to be wanting to steer clear of us (in the play-offs), but we can't be complacent because everyone started fresh and everyone will be back up for the same thing.

"But a massive crowd will help to take us a long way towards the final. The 'Abbey roar' is something special and the riders can really hear it.''

MORE BUILD-UP TO THE ROBINS SEMI FINAL ALL WEEK IN THE SWINDON ADVERTISER AND AT SWINDONADVERTISER.CO.UK/SPORT THIS WEEK AND DON'T MISS OUR PLAY-OFF SPECIAL IN NEXT MONDAY'S ADVER