McGowan: 'I feel the need for speed' (From Swindon Advertiser)

McGowan: 'I feel the need for speed'

7:37am Thursday 15th May 2008 in Sport By Andy Cryer

TRAVIS McGowan admits Robins' flying start to the season has left him still a "little hollow inside" as he continues his personal struggle to find top form.

The Australian ace arrived at Blunsdon with a big reputation but has so far failed to light the blue touch paper, after returning from a horrific winter crash in his native land.

McGowan's slow start to the Elite League campaign sees him switch places with Seb Alden in Robins' line up, going down to reserve, but ahead of tonight's home meeting with Lakeside Hammers he insists he will soon be firing again.

Robins will be keen to hold on to top spot with another win at the Abbey and McGowan believes he has already showed signs that he is ready to start contributing fully to their title assault.

He said: "It looks as though myself and Seb are going to switch places and that is just the way it goes. It is a result of my slow form this season.

"Of course I am disappointed because I should not be in that position but my form so far has shown otherwise.

"Hopefully going to reserve will give me an opportunity to get some better scores and hopefully the drop will just be temporary.

"We have had a great start to the season as a team but it still feels a little hollow because I know I have not contributed like I want to.

"But I do feel I have made progress over the last couple of weeks and things are coming together, I am confident of that."

While many have put McGowan's loss of form down to injuries suffered in his crash in Australia, the man himself reveals there has been more to it.

"It has been a combination of coming back from injury and bike problems," said McGowan.

"We made some wrong decisions with the tuning of the bike and had to do a u-turn.

"So that has had a big part to play in my slow start.

"I have still chipped in here and there though, away from home especially.

"There is more to come though and hopefully that starts with a decent performance against Lakeside tonight."

After a stunning start to the campaign, many of Swindon's critics are predicting a slide down the table after three consecutive away defeats.

But an unbeaten home record has kept them in contention - with McGowan eager to shut up the doubters on the track.

"I get sick and tired of people saying this and that," said McGowan.

"Now the dust has settled and people are finding their feet, we have to keep consolidating our position with strong home performances.

"The aim is to make the play offs and to make sure we finish in the top two so that we get a home draw."

• EASTBOURNE are awaiting news on captain and Robins asset Lee Richardson, who sustained a suspected fracture to the already cracked bone in his wrist in Eagles defeat by Poole on Monday.