SWINDON ROBINS: Follow the Stars

The Stars joined the top level of British speedway this year and have enjoyed a memorable start, winning three of their four meetings which included a 65-30 annihilation of Lakeside on Monday.

And Swindon manager Russell, whose side host the Norfolk outfit at Blunsdon tonight, welcomes the arrival of King’s Lynn at the top level and believes their success story so far should inspire other teams to do the same.

“It’s good for British speedway that a new team has come up,” said Russell. “They have got a very good side and are doing very well at this moment.

“If they come in and it works for them then they will want to stay, and it would be nice to think we could maybe even tempt someone else up.

“I think there are one or two clubs sitting out there that given the right conditions would take the plunge and step up with us.

“I believe variety is the selling point as variety is the spice of life.”

The various fixtures of Premier League clubs are set to play havoc with the starting septets at the Abbey Stadium tonight, with King’s Lynn particularly badly affected in the lower order.

Morten Risager and Lasse Bjerre are both due to ride for Ipswich in the Premier League against Workington, for whom Tomas Topinka rides.

On top of that number eight Adam Roynon appears set to turn out for Redcar in a challenge match at home to Newcastle, and Scunthorpe’s Ben Wilson and Glasgow’s Nick Morris are rumoured to be the men coming in for the Stars.

Swindon make one change from the side that lost 48-42 at Wolverhampton, with Josh Grajczonek restored to the septet as Cory Gathercole is riding for Somerset.

Simon Stead experienced breathing problems against Wolves but is slowly improving following his recent rib problems, while the club is inching closer to securing a new rider to replace Grzegorz Zengota.

KEEP up to date with all the latest Swindon Robins news with Advertiser speedway writer Ned Payne on Twitter (@nedpayne1).