TROY Batchelor has vowed to lead by example after being appointed Swindon Robins captain for 2014.

The 26-year-old has signed on loan from Peterborough for a third-straight season, having also raced at Blunsdon in 2009, and will lead the team having previously been a vital part of the Robins side which won the Elite League title in 2012 and reached the play-off semi-finals the following year.

Batchelor will replace Hans Andersen at the head of the Robins team after the Dane’s move to Coventry, and the Australian believes the time is right to take on the extra responsibility.

“I want to win something, that’s why I’m back,” he said.

“It’s always good to stay in the same place and why would you want to change things if it’s going good for you?

“It’s good to be captain as well and when I did it last year I always seemed to respond and I hope I can do it again.

“I lead by example and that’s the best way to be really because if you go out in heat one and get a win you can set the tone and get things off to the perfect start.

“You need to be there and be on top of your game at all times, and now I am getting a bit older and a bit more experienced I think I am ready to do it.

“I will do whatever I can to help and it would be great to win something as the captain.”

While Batchelor is disappointed to not be linking up with Andersen once again, he is looking forward to helping new reserves Steve Worrall and Josh Bates find their feet.

“Hans is a good rider and a good dude too, and we all got on really well, but nothing’s forever,” he said.

“I’m not going to be at Swindon forever or with any of my clubs forever, that’s the way speedway is and how the rules work, with riders forced to change clubs.

“He’s opted to go to Coventry and we wish him all the best but it’s time for us to move on maybe.

“Maybe the riders will be out of their depth at the beginning, but for me riding against better riders brings you on.

“When I first started in the Elite League I remember getting smoked by Nicki Pedersen and Leigh Adams by a full straight.

“They will learn and I’m looking forward to passing on a few things.”

Meanwhile, the Advertiser understands Jason Doyle may not be out the Robins’ plans afterall despite the Australian ruling himself out of a team place on Tuesday night.