SWINDON Robins team boss Alun Rossiter admits it was probably time for Troy Batchelor to make a fresh start after switching to King’s Lynn Stars for next year’s Elite League campaign.

Batchelor has been with Swindon since 2012, helping them lift the title that year, and captained the side over the last two seasons but fell foul of the Robins faithful towards the end of his spell at the Abbey Stadium.

The Australian ace endured an injury plagued 2015 campaign and looked below his best for much of the year. He was found wanting as the Robins reached the play-offs and failed to register a point in the second leg of their semi-final at Blunsdon as they were eliminated by Belle Vue Aces.

Rossiter felt those injuries prevented Batchelor from reaching his potential last season and although he did consider re-signing the Aussie, the Robins chief conceded it was right that both parties made a clean break.

“I know that last season didn’t really go the way he’d planned but people need to realise he had a really difficult season with injuries,” said Rossiter.

“He had one at the start of the year and then picked up another really bad one in Cardiff (at the British Grand Prix) and it’s tough to ride at your very best when you are not at 100 per cent.

“When Darcy (Ward) came in he went through the roof. Everyone knows what happened with Darcy and I think it affected Troy more than most.

“I’m not going to berate him because, at the end of the day, he’s the one getting on the bike.

“We did discuss him coming back. At the last minute I had a phone call and he’d decided to do something different and that’s fine.

“Maybe it was the right time for him to move on and a fresh start is what he needs."

Rossiter believes Batchelor is more than capable of recapturing his best form with King’s Lynn and refused to close the door on a possible return to Swindon in the future.

“You never say never in speedway,” said Rossiter. "You all say things and do things sometimes in the moment but you try not to fall out with anyone as you never know what might happen in the future.

“I’m sure he’ll do great. He’s got no Grand Prix next year to worry about and I’m sure that’ll help him too.

“We have not parted on bad terms and wish him well."