SWINDON Robins team manager Alun Rossiter does not think proposed changes to the track at the Abbey Stadium will have any impact on the quality of the racing.

The owners of the Abbey Stadium, Gaming International, unveiled fresh plans for a re-developed venue this week, to be built on the site of the existing one.

The current speedway and greyhound tracks will be retained but will have to be shortened to accommodate the new proposals.

Although riders and supporters have become used to the perimeters of the current circuit at Blunsdon, Rossiter believes a revamped lay-out may actually improve the overall spectacle.

“I don’t think the straights being shortened will have too much of an impact on riders because we have such a big in-field,” said Rossiter.

“Even though there will be shorter straights, it could be wider bends and it could be banked a bit more, which could make for better racing.”

This week’s announcement appears to be the final chapter of the on-going saga surrounding the Robins’ new home.

Plans for a new venue next door to the existing Abbey Stadium were first unveiled in 2015 but the project has been hit by setbacks ever since.

After lengthy delays and a build up of frustration from club officials and supporters alike, Rossiter hopes the project can now come to a swift resolution.

“Obviously we are happy with the announcement. We have copped a lot of flack from the supporters, but we have to take it for what it is – positive news,” said Rossiter.

“There are a lot of people who have been a bit disgruntled because of the timescale, I’ve always been confident it will get done.

“Other people think differently. I always thought we would end up there one day and when you look at all the problems they had at Belle Vue over the years, that didn’t happen overnight.

“I don’t believe we have gone this far for it to fall at the final stage but I will echo what Terry (Russell, club owner) said – once we see the diggers in there I think everyone will be a bit happier.

“It can be quite a quick turnaround. If they demolish the old grand stand and get the new one going up, I can’t see why it shouldn’t be quite quick.”