SWINDON Robins manager Alun Rossiter is a firm believer that far brighter times lie ahead in 2021, writes NIGEL PEARSON.

The CFS Filtration Robins were left inactive throughout 2020 as the pandemic wiped out any prospect of league racing in the UK, meaning they were unable to defend their Premiership league and cup trophies.

Talks are continuing as to the possible structure of the sport next year, and Rossiter admits he’s impressed by some of the ideas on the table.

Speedway bosses are desperate to welcome supporters and launch the new season by Easter, depending of course on the speed with which the government relaxes restrictions.

And Rossiter feels that after a year which has brought little more than gloom in most walks of life, the sport now has the opportunity to rebuild in a positive way.

He said: “I’d like to wish all of our supporters and sponsors a very Merry Christmas, and most importantly also a safe one.

“It’s been a tough year, but I do feel there’s a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel, and I believe we will come to the tapes in 2021.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes trying to find a way to move the sport forward, a lot of work is taking place on that.

“I think with all this negativity, we have to come up with something positive, and I’m confident that will happen.”

Meanwhile, former Swindon rider, Todd Kurtz has announced his retirement from speedway.

Brother of Brady, Todd rode for the Robins in 2013, 2017 and 2019 on a handful of occasions, and was set to line up for Sheffield Tigers in the Premiership this year.

Kurtz said: “I didn’t really reach the heights of the sport that I once hoped. I would have done things a little different if I had my time over, you live and learn. But reaching 10 years has been my achievement. I’m proud of that.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time over there and I hope that I have done all my clubs proud.”