ELLIS Perks has ruled himself out of Swindon Robins’ plans for the 2021 season – and the club are already pondering their next move, writes NIGEL PEARSON.

Perks, a member of the 2019 league and cup winning side, has qualified as a fitness instructor and wants to focus on rebuilding his finances.

He admits it’s been a tough call to make, but with no income from the sport this year and debts hanging over him, he feels it’s the logical choice.

“I am not saying I am retiring but I am not going to come back for the sake of it,” said Perks.

“I had to sell some kit to pay off debts. Like most people I have been stuck in the UK without speedway and had to get a job.

“I did my qualification during lockdown and see myself being over here until the early part of next year, minimum.

“It is probably the toughest decision I have ever had to make but I couldn’t keep owing thousands of pounds every year.”

Robins boss Alun Rossiter is disappointed with the decision but understands Perks making such a call.

“It’s obviously been a tough call for Ellis to make and we have to support him in whatever he decides to do,” he said.

“We’ve been aware of his way of thinking for some time and so we have been weighing up our options, and we have irons in the fire.

“There are a lot of things which could happen before next spring, and as soon as we have an update on a replacement for Ellis then we will update everyone accordingly.

“In the meantime, we wish Ellis well and hope to see him at the Abbey at some stage in the future.”

The news comes off the back of fellow Robins man, Jordan Stewart saying he hopes for a spot in the Swindon line-up next season following his inability to race in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.