SIMON Stead knows better than anyone that he needs to quickly improve his performances after coming close to losing his place in the Swindon Robins side.

Robins manager Alun Rossiter considered replacing the Yorkshireman with Polish former world under-21 champion Robert Miskowiak, but eventually decided to give Stead a chance to turn things around.

The 30-year-old celebrated his testimonial at Blunsdon last Thursday and looked to have found some form after making changes to his set-up, and Stead is now keen to prove Rossiter’s decision is the right one.

“It has always been vital that I go out there and score points, it is as simple as that,” he said.

“That is exactly what I need to do now, and that hasn’t changed just because of what has happened over the weekend.

“We are in a results-based business, and I need to score more points and get better results to keep my place, I know that better than anyone.

“I felt a lot better during the testimonial meeting because I tried a few things, and my engine tuner was over and we worked on the bikes and I feel like I got a good set-up.

“The equipment is feeling a lot better, and if we can get the set-up sorted I am confident I can produce against Poole.”

Stead is confident the whole incident can be forgotten, as he and the Robins bid to concentrate on racing as the Elite League play-offs get ever closer.

“I am trying not to think about what has gone on going into the meeting because it doesn’t help anyone, but obviously it was a difficult weekend and the circumstances of it all was not ideal at all,” he said.

“But I have had a good chat with Rosco and some other people at the club too, and it was a good chat, and now we need to draw a line under it all and move on.

“Poole at home is always going to be a hard meeting, no matter when it comes, and for me it doesn’t matter if it is home or away, I just need points.

“But the boys are confident, and I know we are all capable of performing, and if we do I think we can win.”