ALUN Rossiter believes a fast start is imperative for his Swindon Robins outfit as he sets his sights on a fourth straight Elite League play-offs appearance this year.

Yesterday’s unveiling of the top-flight 2009 fixture list handed the Robins the ideal opportunity to get the jump on their rivals, with five of the first seven league matches taking place at their Abbey Stadium fortress.

Rossiter believes he again has a line-up to be challenging for honours – and reckons early points in the bag could prove crucial.

“We always like to make a good start because if you do that it sets you up for the rest of the year,’’ said the Blunsdon team chief.

“People talk about matches in hand, but it’s better to have those points on board early and worry about it later on.’’ The 2008 Robins were the Elite League surprise package, defying the pundits to grab a play-off semi-final spot before bowing out to eventual runners-up Lakeside Hammers.

In addition, Rossiter presided over a semi-final finish in 2006 and agonising Grand Final defeat to Coventry Bees in 2007.

He added: “Looking at the league, I’d say Wolverhampton will be strong, (champions) Poole will be there or thereabouts and Peterborough should challenge too. Perhaps Lakeside too because they will be strong at home.

“But maybe a team will come out of nowhere like us last year, you never know.

“I think we’re looking for the play-offs. We’re good enough to be a play-off team after being written off last year.’’ The Swindon club’s season opens with their 60th anniversary celebration on Sunday, March 15.

The 2009 team has its first outing proper on March 26, Wolverhampton the visitors in the Knockout Cup home leg, while Eastbourne Eagles are the visitors for the year’s first league match, on April 2.