SPEEDWAY in this country is ready to make the step to the next level according to Great Britain team manager Alun Rossiter.

As the 51-year-old returns to club duties this evening at the Abbey Stadium, with Swindon Robins set to host King’s Lynn Stars in the Elite League, Rossiter is still coming to terms with his achievement on the international stage.

He oversaw Britain’s first World Cup podium finish in a decade with their silver medal at Belle Vue’s National Stadium and now wants to see the sport build on that success.

“I think it has sunk in now,” he said.

“When I read that the Swedes are pleased with their bronze medal, it makes the feeling all the sweeter really.

“It has been full on since the weekend and that has been amazing.

“It is a good thing for the sport and it is a good stepping stone for us to move forward from.

“I don’t think speedway in this country is as bad as people make it out to be.

“We have a good youth system that is run by Neil Vatch and he is doing a good job, we have a group of under 21s who are doing well.

“The only thing I would say we need to do is that we need to get the riders into a fitness programme and we need to be having some matches abroad on the continental tracks.”

Tai Woffinden came in for much scrutiny prior to the final but let his bike do the talking as he bagged 19 points and Rossiter is now keen to draw a line under any doubts about the reigning world champion.

“If people can’t understand Woffinden’s commitment to British speedway after last weekend then they are not worth worrying about,” he added.

“I have stated now that I will refuse to comment on any questions or any criticism of Woffinden.

“It will be treated with the contempt that it deserves and it will be ignored.

“No matter what you say, they will have their opinion.

“I am the one who needs to worry about it, I am the boss, and I am happy with how things are.”

Swindon have drafted in Adam Roynon to guest for Stefan Nielsen, who remains sidelined with a thumb injury, this evening.

Meanwhile, King’s Lynn include Lewis Kerr as a guest for the injured Simon Lambert, plus Danish ace Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen returns to their line-up at reserve.