IT HAS not taken Troy Batchelor long to feel comfortable back in familiar surroundings after his return to Swindon Robins for 2018.

Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter tempted former club captain Batchelor to return to the Abbey Stadium for the new season, with this his third stint at the club overall.

The Australian first arrived at Blunsdon in 2008 and stayed on the next year too before spending four successive seasons as a Robin between 2012 and 2015.

After a spell away at SGB Premiership rivals Kings Lynn Stars, which ended in controversial fashion last summer as the Aussie was let go midway through the campaign, Batchelor jumped at the chance to fly back to the Robins’ nest when approached by Rossiter.

“It definitely feels a bit like a home coming, I think this is my third spell here. It is great to be back, I spent a few good years here,” said Batchelor.

“Unfortunately due to the rules in speedway, it seems you can never stay in one place too long, which is a shame because you get attached to people and places, but it is good to be back for now anyway.

“Hopefully I can do a good job this season, have a lot of fun and be here for the long term.”

Batchelor has made a strong start upon his return to the Abbey Stadium, having scored points totals of 12+1 and 8 in Swindon’s Charity Shield home and away meetings against Belle Vue Aces last week.

The former Grand Prix star has arrived as the elder statesman on the Robins roster, with the Queenslander having turned 30 last August.

Fellow Aussie, reserve Mitchell Davey, is the only other member of the Swindon septet over the age of 25, and Batchelor says he will be more than happy to offer a helping hand to his young colleagues.

“I will help wherever I can, but you have got to look after yourself first and foremost because if you are in trouble, you are no help to anyone else,” said Batchelor.

“I will focus on getting myself sorted but if any of the younger guys need advice, I will be straight there – they are not afraid to ask.

“Hopefully I can pass on what I can to help them along and we will do as well as we can.

“They are a good bunch of lads. Everyone listens to each other and no one is really out there for themselves. I think we are going to have a good year.”

After seeing their scheduled Premiership opener at home to Leicester Lions postponed due to the threat of wet weather yesterday, Swindon now turn their attentions to a Knockout Cup double header against Rye House Rockets on Easter Monday.