SWINDON ROBINS: Robins launch fresh appeal over duo
6:00am Saturday 26th January 2013 in Latest Sport News By Andy Warren
Swindon co-owner Gary Patchett
SWINDON Robins have once again appealed to both Peterborough and the BSPA to be allowed to sign Hans Andersen and Troy Batchelor on loan, after the Panthers announced Kenneth Bjerre as their number one for 2013.
The Alwalton club had been waiting for the Dane to be given the green light to begin racing at the start of the new campaign after suffering a broken leg at the end of last season, and they acted quickly to sign Bjerre yesterday after he was the given the all-clear to return to the track on Thursday night.
The Panthers now have only a reserve berth to fill, meaning there is no possible way they can use either Andersen or Batchelor, who the club insist will only leave the Showground on full transfers.
Peterborough co-owner Julie Mahoney has said the BSPA have told her Batchelor should be bought, but a decision on Andersen’s future was deferred until a management committee meeting on February 15.
Now the Panthers cannot use either rider Swindon co-owner Gary Patchett believes his side have first refusal on them in terms of loan deals, and is hopeful of being given permission to talk to them in the coming days.
“We have asked Peterborough for permission to talk to the riders, and I have also emailed the BSPA,” Patchett said.
“They can no longer be accommodated in Peterborough’s team plans because they have named six of their seven, and now only have room for a reserve.
“I have said to the BSPA that we wish to exercise our option on them to have them back on loan after we did so last season, and we have first refusal on them.
“It is our right to have them on loan because they have effectively been released by Peterborough.” Meanwhile, the Panthers have informed Swindon they will not be hosting the scheduled pre-season challenge fixture between the two sides on Monday, March 18 due to the unavailabilty of the track at the East of England Showground. The return meeting at the Abbey Stadium on March 21 has also been cancelled.
The Robins are now exploring other options for their pre-season meetings which are due to be run the week before the Elite Shield clashes with Poole on March 28 and 29.
A number of riders are close to being confirmed for the Bob Kilby Memorial Meeting on March 14, and will be announced in the near future.
