SWINDON Robins have announced the return of last year’s captain Troy Batchelor to the Abbey Stadium to spearhead the side in 2015.

The Aussie, who also claimed the Elite League Riders Championship this summer, has committed himself to the club for another year.

Team manager Alun Rossiter is delighted to have the Aussie return to the Robins as his team for next year begins to take shape.

Having landed Charles Wright and Lewis Rose in the Elite Riders Draft last week Batchelor, who’s terms of stay are yet to be decided, is the first of the top order riders to sign for the campaign with Rossiter hoping to add more over the coming weeks.

Kyle Howarth, who rode for Swindon at the end of the 2013 campaign, is on the Robins’ radar, with Australian Nick Morris also expected to form part of the team.

“Having Troy back adds a bit of continuity,” said the Abbey Stadium boss who will be demanding more from his heat leader.

“Troy has been pretty loyal and it is great to have him back.

“We elevated him up to captain (last season) and we are hoping for bigger things this year.

“He got in to the Grand Prix and needs to kick on from that and develop into a bigger and better captain.

“Until you know what is going on and what the final figures are there is always some doubt (if we could get Batchelor) unfortunately but that is not his fault.

“I have been in better places (with his squad) but hopefully we can get things moving shortly.”

Batchelor was again handed a wildcard place in the FIM Speedway Grand Prix series next year but had to cut back his schedule in a bid to improve his own performance.

Rossiter will be hoping that the 27-year-old will be able to use his experience to inspire the younger members of his team.

“He’s knocked Sweden on the head which is a big help so hopefully we’ll get the best out of Troy next year,” he added. “Being the heat leader and one of the top guys that people look to being in the Grand Prix, there are a couple of things hopefully he will work on.

“One of those things is his captaincy, it was his first time last year, so I am hoping he’ll really settle into the job this year and really bring a bit more from it and play a far more of a captain’s role.

“Especially for the younger riders that is what I want, that little bit extra out of him this year to help develop the youngsters and the new members of the team.”

Batchelor’s return is the first move as the Robins lookg to finalise the main body of their 2015 team.

“I enjoyed the last couple of years there and everything seems to be running really well under the new management with Terry Russell there now so I am happy as things are,’’ he told the Swindon Advertiser.