Robins are made of the Wright stuff (From Swindon Advertiser)

Robins are made of the Wright stuff

9:09am Monday 12th May 2008 in

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JAMES Wright has urged his Robins side to make the most of their new-found Elite League respect - but admits the pressure is on him as he returns to an old haunt tonight.

The Great Britain ace rides for table-topping Robins tonight at former club Belle Vue, hoping his knowledge of the track will keep the Swindon outfit's extraordinary season start on track.

Many of Robins' rival were expecting last season's Grand Final losers to be easy pickings after the close-season destruction of their line-up but, proving their critics wrong, a new fear has swept through speedway.

"The tables have really turned," said Wright. "Everyone knows before the season started we were expected to finish bottom.

"I actually think most teams were looking forward to meeting us, either at home or away, but that is not the case anymore.

"No one wants to be meeting us because they know they will be in for a tough time.

"We have worked really hard to build up this reputation and I think it is fair to say we don't really fear going anywhere."

Wright, who is based in Stockport, rode for Belle Vue last campaign and knows the spotlight will be on him to perform at Kirkmanshulme Lane.

"The pressure is on more than normal," he said.

"But that is fine. People expect me to score points because I know the track well and I go into it confident I can do that.

"The last time I rode there we won and I did well so hopefully we can have more of the same tonight.

"It is nice that the track is close to home as well so I can leave it until about 5.30pm to leave and that gives me more time to work on my bike."

While Swindon travel up north tonight unchanged and full of confidence, Belle Vue are in the midst of an injury crisis and bottom of the Elite League.

Billy Forsberg, Lukasz Jankowski and Steve Boxall all on the treatment table for the Aces with current British U21 Champion Tai Woffinden coming in.

Rider replacement will operate for Jankowski and the Aces are expected to announce a new signing later today to fill a reserve berth.

This comes after Michal Rajkowski was released by the club last week following a run of poor performances.

Wright said: "There is no point in us thinking about where we are in the table.

"We have had a good start but it is all about what happens in the coming weeks.

"The key is now to win all our home meetings and then pick up three or four wins away from home and if we do that we will easily finish in the top two.

"None of us are going to get over confident. The team spirit has been great and that will continue."

n BERWICK'S Premier League clash with the Isle of Wight was abandoned after a serious accident which saw bikes fly into the supporters' area on Saturday night.

Two fans required treatment whilst riders Scott Smith and Paul Fry, formerly of Swindon, were fortunate to escape serious injury.

A 14-year-old girl suffered serious head injuries in the collision and was taken to Berwick Infirmary. Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A 16-year-old boy suffered injuries to his collarbone and shoulder and a man also received injuries, which were not believed to be serious.

Bandits promoter Peter Waite said: "We have the two injured fans and their families uppermost in our minds and we wish them all the very best for a very swift recovery.''