FOR A man as dyed in the Robins wool as Alun Rossiter, it is entirely appropriate that the Swindon team manager should be celebrating his 44th birthday on the same day his beloved club toasts its 60th.

And there are few people better placed than ‘Rosco’ to explain just why the club, competing in a sport that doesn’t always capture the public’s attention, holds the affections of so many throughout the town and beyond.

From team mascot, to rider and through to his current role, Rossiter has seen it all and done it all in a four-decade association with the Blunsdon outfit - and is determined to play a central role in writing the next glorious chapter of Robins’ history.

The run-in to what Swindon hope will be a successful bid for the Sky Sports Elite League title starts tonight with the visit of the lowly Belle Vue Aces.

And Rossiter admits he’d love to reward the loyalty and affection of the club’s fans by bringing the big silverware home for the first time since 1967.

“It’s no secret that the club is pretty special to me,’’ he told the Swindon Advertiser. “It’s quite weird. The Robins are 60 and my birthday is on the same day. Maybe it’s a sign!’’ He added: “I had successful times riding for Poole and you can’t ever forget that.

“But I’m from Swindon and I’m proud of that - that’s what is important.

“Even though we haven’t won anything yet, since Terry Russell came on board we’ve been going the right way.

“It’s been turned from being a ‘nothing’ club into a big club.

“There is good recognition and, because of things like Sky Sports coverage, the club has put Swindon on the map.’’ Recognition further afield is always welcome, but Rossiter recognises that the Robins have also made a considerable impression closer to home.

He added: “When the outcry happened because the (Abbey) stadium was going to close and there was going to be no speedway, it showed what it meant to people.

“They want it there even though they don’t come to matches all of the time.

“It’s part of the town and part of history and the outcry proved that.’’ Swindon emerge from the mid-season break for speedway’s World Cup to enter a crucial phase of the season.

After tonight’s meeting and tomorrow’s trip to Lakeside, they face eight matches during August which are likely to determine whether they can clinch top spot and home advantage in the play-offs.

And Rossiter admitted the break may have done his side some good, ensuring any knocks have had time to heal and allowing them to take stock following a home defeat by Lakeside Hammers before the World Cup.

“Hopefully, it’s shown us we cannot be complacent,’’ said Rossiter, who welcomes back Croatian Jurica Pavlic for the first time in more than a month tonight.

Ryan Fisher partners Paul Hurry at reserve.