Patchett: No panic and no changes (From Swindon Advertiser)

Patchett: No panic and no changes

9:28am Monday 26th May 2008 in Sport

ROBINS' co-owner Gary Patchett insists the Blunsdon management won't be panicked into team changes.

Debate about the future of several Swindon riders has been widespread since last Thursday's home defeat by Poole - the first at the Abbey for nearly two years.

The underperforming Travis McGowan and reserve Theo Pijper are under the most scrutiny, but Patchett, pictured, has told supporters not to expect any hasty decisions.

He told the Robins' official website: "I can't tell you that we will or won't change things, just that we might.

"What we won't do is change for change sake.

"There's no point unless what you do is a step in the right direction and improves what you already have.

"It's up to Terry (Russell) and Rosco and I to keep the guys up to the task and to take whatever steps we deem necessary to maintain our position. I give our collective guarantee that we will do whatever we can from our side.'' The manner of Thursday's home capitulation stunned many followers, but Patchett is convinced it was simply a rare Robins off night.

He added: "The gulf between the two sides was vast on Thursday but we both know that wasn't a true reflection of our own side's ability.

"The last thing supporters want to see is their own team lose at home but, fact is, only one team is unbeaten at home in the league and they lost in the Craven Shield.

"Hopefully, we will be able to take the result of Thursday's meeting in context when we prove, ultimately, that it was a blip. Clearly, the riders have got to make sure that those circumstances don't repeat themselves.''

• SWINDON have been issued with their full 2008 averages.

Only Theo Pijper, who has not competed in the neccessary amount of Elite league meetings, does not receive a new figure.

The new averages take effect from Sunday, June 1.

The changes see James Wright drop to reserve and Seb Alden move into the main body of the team.

NEW AVERAGES Leigh Adams 10.39; Mads Korneliussen 8.00; Troy Batchelor 7.31; Sebastien Alden 4.76; Travis McGowan 4.70; James Wright 4.67; Theo Pijper (2007 average) 3.70.