WINTER recruit Troy Batchelor is itching to get back on track and prove his class after returning to Swindon Robins for the 2018 season.

Batchelor endured a turbulent second half to the 2017 campaign as he and fellow Australian ace Chris Holder were dropped by King’s Lynn Stars midway through the season – but only after the deadline for signings had passed.

That denied the pair the chance to re-sign with another SGB Premiership club, leaving Batchelor with much soul searching to do.

The 30-year-old was quick to accept when Swindon boss Alun Rossiter offered him the chance to come back to the Abbey Stadium this year for what will be Batchelor’s third stint with the club, having most recently been on the roster in 2015.

Batchelor will get his first chance to impress back in Robins colours on Monday when Rossiter takes his troops to Belle Vue Aces for the first leg of the Charity Shield and the former Grand Prix rider is determined to hit the ground running.

“It was an unwanted break but you make the most of the hand you are dealt,” said Batchelor.

“I had a few months to think about what happened and what I want to do and where I want to go.

“All I can say is let me out on the track and you will see what I am about.

“I hope I am a better rider that when I was here before. I am a little bit older and a little bit sorer.

“I am definitely more experienced – that is part of growing up. Hopefully I can use that and get myself back on the top step in speedway.”

Batchelor returns to a Robins side who are the reigning Premiership champions, with he and Mitchell Davey just two changes to that title-winning team after the departures of Jason Doyle and Bradley Wilson-Dean.

The Aussie has already tasted title success with Swindon himself, having been part of their championship winning team of 2012, and says it would be a thrill to help them retain the trophy.

Batchelor is not looking beyond the immediate task at hand, though, and thinks Swindon’s credentials can be better judged after their meetings with the Aces.

“That trophy we are holding at the moment, it would be nice to have it again next year,” said Batchelor.

“But we will see what happens, we need a few meetings to settle in and see how we go. There is potential there and most of that team is here, so why not? But first of all, we just need to see how it goes.

“I guess after Monday and then the home leg on Thursday we will know where we stand with our team and if we need to make any changes in personnel or rider number.

“It is two top teams going at it straight out of the gate. It is good to go up against a good team like Belle Vue to see where we are.”