SWINDON Robins team boss Alun Rossiter is delighted to welcome back an old friend after Colin Pratt was this morning announced as a new co-promoter at the club.

Former Great Britain and Coventry chief Pratt worked closely with Rossiter at Coventry during their title winning season in 2010.

He replaces Pete Toogood, who informed the club he could no longer continue with his promoting duties due to pressure of his successful business.

“I think Colin will be a massive asset for the club,” said Rossiter.

“He is someone who is going to help me and is someone I respect a lot.

“Myself and Colin will probably be working closer than what I have done with anybody else at Swindon Speedway.

“I’m fully in charge of the team with the riders alongside Colin.

“Colin has got the experience and I worked with at Coventry when we won the league in 2010 and I learnt a hell of a lot from him.

“I got on well with Pete but he was more front of house on race day, but Colin is going to come in and help me so we are kind of more of a team.

“Pete was brought in to kind of steady the ship, but unfortunately with his business it is making it more and more difficult for him to commit.”

Pratt, who is now 76, rode for the Robins for a season back in 1963 and Swindon owner Terry Russell believes the Robins can gain from his vast experience.

“He will work well with Alun Rossiter and despite the fact that he is now into his 70s he is very enthusiastic about this appointment and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“I would like to pass on our thanks, on behalf of everyone at Swindon Speedway, to Pete Toogood for all his hard work behind the scenes this season.”

Meanwhile, Swindon head into this weekend’s British Speedway Promoters AGM searching for new team sponsors after Excalibur Communications ended their backing of the club.

Russell has paid tribute to Excalibur Communications CEO James Phipps and has revealed they will still be working for the benefit of the club.

He said: “I’d like to offer our sincere appreciation to James and his team at Excalibur Communications for everything they have done for Swindon Speedway.

“The feeling is that an opportunity is there for an alternative business to come in and work with the Robins branding. We are already in talks with two different parties regarding this.

“James will continue to work with us in other areas of the club to help Swindon Speedway develop and grow.

“As a club, Swindon Robins are in a good position and we look forward to some exciting times ahead.

“Naturally we were disappointed not to do better in the play-offs but you can be sure Rosco will be determined to achieve more in 2015.”