SWINDON Robins chief Alun Rossiter insists he isn’t a detractor of the Fast Track draft and expects a higher calibre of rider to be on offer when his team head to Coventry to snap up their reserves for next season tomorrow.

Elite League bosses will meet at Coventry Bees’ Brandon Stadium on Wednesday as they bid to pick their number six and seven for next year, with the selection process having undergone a number of tweaks following this month’s AGM.

The Robins are expected to have the fourth pick of the first pool of riders, which includes the top six picks from last year’s draft, and the fifth from the second 30-something strong pool.

Rossiter has been critical of how the system was implemented last season, which in turn saw the Abbey Stadium boss receive criticism himself, but he says that he was never grumbling for grumbling’s sake.

“A few people have had a bit of a pop at me in the past, saying that I’ve been bleating on about it, but I’ve not been bleating on – I’ve only been thinking of things from the fans’ point of view,” said Rossiter.

“Jon Cook (Lakeside Hammers manager) was one of the ones that criticised me but that’s because it’s his brainchild.

“I’ve always been an advocate of the system but I was just worried about the times when we’ve had to replace a number five rider with a number 31 rider. That’s a big gap and the gulf was the issue.

“I think it’s going to be stronger this year. The top ten look good.

“You have a look at how you think it’s going to play out and who you’ll be able to get but I don’t think it will be straightforward because nothing ever is in speedway.

“I’m sure some people won’t be happy with certain things and it will take some time to get through it all.”

Rossiter says his team-building for next season will step up a gear following the conclusion of the draft.

The Robins boss added: “To be honest, I haven’t really spoken to my boys from last year too much over the last week or so.

“I’ve got a good idea of what I’d like the top of my order to look like and once I’ve got the bottom end sorted out, we’ll really motor on with things.”

Australian rider Nick Morris, who racked up an average of 6.31 for Swindon last term and is expected to remain at the Abbey next season, has signed for Glasgow Tigers in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old returns to the Tigers after spending three years riding for the Somerset Rebels.