SWINDON Robins team manager Alun Rossiter hopes Zach Wajtknecht can still have a future at the club as he gets set to make another change to his roster.

Wajtknecht has informed the club of his decision to step down from racing for the rest of the 2019 season, meaning the Robins are in need of a new rider at reserve.

Bristolian Wajtknecht is in his third successive season with Swindon, but has this year failed to produce the form that made him such a valuable asset at the bottom of the order over the previous two campaigns.

The 21-year-old’s departure will make it three changes to Rossiter’s original septet of riders since the season began in April.

Fellow reserve James Shanes and number two Dawid Lampart have both been dropped by the Robins boss in recent weeks, with Ellis Perks and Rasmus Jensen drafted into their respective positions.

Although sad to lose Wajtkencht’s services, Rossiter has offered him hope of returning to Swindon colours in the future.

“It’s disappointing but after having a long chat with Zach, I think it’s probably the right decision,” said Rossiter.

“He’s certainly not been the same rider this year as we have seen in the past. It’s not because of injury or anything like that and we can’t really put our finger on what the problem is.

“At the end of the day, if he feels he wants to take a break, we have to respect that.

“As a club, we will stick by him and hopefully he will come back stronger and next season we can see him back racing.

“He is still only 19, so he has got plenty of time left ahead of him.”

Swindon resume their SGB Premiership programme on Thursday when they welcome King’s Lynn Stars to the Abbey Stadium.

Rossiter will not be rushed into signing a permanent replacement for Wajtknecht and is likely to field a guest against King’s Lynn as he weighs up his recruitment decision.

“I have got a few ideas, but it is a case of making sure I get the right person. There are a few options out there for me, but it has to be the right one,” said Rossiter.

“Our top five our exceptional, particularly since Rasmus has come in, so now we need someone who can come in at reserve and contribute.

“I am not going to rush it. I will maybe go for a guest on Thursday and then look to bring someone in permanently the week after.”