SWINDON Robins team manager Alun Rossiter feels that British speedway is heading in the right direction following the sport’s AGM.

Club bosses from around the country met in Warwickshire this weekend to discuss the rules and regulations for the next 12 months, which included raising the team building points limit to 34, strengthening the fast track draft and regulating the guest and doubling up systems.

The Abbey Stadium chief, while knowing that there is still work to do, feels that they have made a good start to improve the sport for spectators.

“We have listened to what the punters have said and taken that on board,” Rossiter said.

“There isn’t a magic wand that will fix it all in one go but what we have done is taken steps that will certainly improve things.

“The weekend was very positive, we have looked a few issues that needed addressing hopefully sorted that out.

“One of the biggest things for me was that next year’s AGM will be held in the first week of October.

“Now we won’t be able to have the fixtures sorted by then, but we can get everything else done.”

Rossiter was pleased that the fixtures will be compiled in a manner sympathetic to those riders competing in the Grand Prix series, with free weeks in the build-up to major meetings.

“We want to encourage the international riders back to our shores,” he said.

“We have to try and make it easier for them so that they can get a bit more time at home.”

Having been a big critic of how the Fast Track draft system was deployed last season, Rossiter is pleased that the draft, which takes place on November 26, has been retained and tweaked.

New vice-chairman Chris Van Straaten said: “2014 was an innovative year with the Fast Track and the new format, and it was important to look at things which weren’t quite right and improve upon them, rather than throwing it straight out.

“I’m pleased the BSPA have taken that stance because for the most part the response to it was tremendous, but there were one or two adjustments which were needed, and we have tried to listen to the fans.

“There were riders this year who perhaps could think they had unfairly missed out, and the likes of Ashley Birks, Adam Roynon and Josh Auty will now have the option to come in.”

Rossiter has also been retained as team manager for the Great Britain squad.