SWINDON Robins captain Troy Batchelor has welcomed the signing of young British rider Kyle Howarth after it was confirmed on Monday.

The Mancunian was announced as Alun Rossiter’s second close-season signing on yesterday as the Robins team starts to take shape, with the addition of Charles Wright and Lewis Rose who were recruited during the Elite Riders Draft.

Howarth enjoyed a spell with the Robins at the tail end of 2013 and performed well for the Coventry Bees last season finishing with an average of 5.43.

Batchelor was impressed by Howarth when Coventry knocked the Robins out of the play-offs last season and looks forward to pairing up with the 20-year-old.

“He was pretty good last year for Coventry, he hurt Swindon when he rode against us in the play-offs and he is definitely up and coming,” said Batchelor.

“That is what you want; guys who are up and coming and that can improve their averages.

“He is a good guy and a bit of a laugh so I think he will fit right in.

“The first goal is to get to the play-offs and we did that last season but the weather was crazy and it definitely hurt us but that is a long story.

“We’ve got to remember it is a long year and we don’t have to be going out there and winning every single meeting the whole year.

“We have got to win some and keep them close and get as many points as you can along the way.”