SWINDON Robins have announced a new team title sponsor for the defence of their SGB Premiership title defence, which begins next month.

Filtration specialists CFS will back the Abbey Stadium side, whose season gets under way with back-to-back Charity Shield contests with Belle Vue Aces on Monday, March 19 and Thursday, March 22 before the league campaign swings into action on Thursday, March 29 with the visit of Leicester Lions.

An established speedway backer, CFS joined the ranks of the Robins supporters at the beginning of the 2017 season.

The Waterlooville-based firm entered last year’s live draw to be the team’s title sponsor and despite being unsuccessful, retained their interest in the club.

CFS boss Derek Baker, whose wife Val is an avid speedway fan having supported local club Poole for many years, said: “Following a few years of sponsorship with another top-flight team, we just felt we wanted to sponsor a different team and Swindon was the perfect place for us.

“The 2017 season was excellent. Myself and Val felt a real part of the club right from the start.”

Baker’s background is in motocross and the CFS Filtration logo can be seen on numerous riders in that discipline including British ace Fred Heath.

In speedway, CFS have also sponsored British champion Craig Cook, Kyle Newman and Robins own asset Adam Ellis.

Robins director Steve Park and commercial manager Kilby visited the CFS offices last week to complete the agreement.

“It was a productive and in truth, easy and enjoyable meeting,” said Kilby.

“I get on extremely well with Derek and Val, and we came up with the agreement details in a matter of minutes.

“Their enthusiasm for speedway is clear to see and their energy and passion for the sport is exactly what speedway needs more of.”

CFS replace Carpets4Less as title sponsor but Kilby added: “We can’t thank them (Carpets4Less) enough for their involvement in what was a historic season for the club.

“I know I can speak on behalf of everyone at the club when I say we were pleased to see them lead the team in our championship year.”