TROY Batchelor admits it is impossible to replace Jason Doyle at Swindon Robins but has promised to give his all in an effort to plug some of the gap left by the reigning world champion’s departure.

Swindon had to choose whether to retain either Doyle or Nick Morris in their roster for 2018 after new rules restricted SGB Premierships clubs to fielding teams that included just one rider with an average over eight.

Morris was the man chosen to remain at the Abbey Stadium for the coming campaign, with Doyle the one of two members of the Robins’ top five that were crowned Premiership champions last season not to be back again in 2018 and he will now ride for Somerset Rebels.

Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter swiftly swooped to bring former captain Troy Batchelor back to the club after two years away to complete a strong looking top five alongside Morris, David Bellego, Tobiasz Musielak and Adam Ellis.

Morris will lead the way at number one, with Batchelor down at number five, and although those two are expected to be at the forefront for Swindon this season, the Australian says every member of the team must play their part.

“It is a shame Jason couldn’t be back as there is only one Jason Doyle. He is world champion and world champion for a reason because he is such a good rider,” said Batchelor.

“You can’t really replace anyone like that but I will just do my best.

“I won’t be coming in at number one, that will be Nick so he will have a bit more to carry on his shoulders, but I have ridden there before in the past “I have pretty much been at either number one or number five for a long time now so when I start again this season, it will be nothing different.

“I just want to do my best for the club and at whatever number or in whatever role that may be, I will do whatever I can.

“Nick is a good rider but I think there are a few good riders in the team and obviously the management can see that as well.

“The likes of David (Bellego) and Tobiasz (Musielak) are young guys who have done well but I think there is a little bit more left in them.”

Batchelor and Morris were Swindon team-mates for four seasons before the former made a switch to King’s Lynn Stars ahead of the 2016 campaign.

Morris has since gone on to become the leader of the Robins’ pack and Batchelor is thrilled to see the progression made by his countryman.

“Nick is a little bit older now than from when I was last there and it is good for him to take steps forward. He is getting better all the time,” said Batchelor.

“We keep in contact and I spoke to him a few days before I signed. Our girlfriends are quite good friends, so they are really excited that they are going to be seeing each other a lot more.”