SWINDON Robins boss Alun Rossiter has branded the return of Australian heat leader Troy Batchelor as a key signing for the club, following the announcement of his return on Monday morning.

Batchelor, 31, returned to the Abbey Stadium last season following two season absence from the Wiltshire club and became a favourite among fans after earning his place as the club’s number one rider by the end of the season – taking over from compatriot Nick Morris.

The Brisbane-born rider’s return means Rossiter now has three of his seven riders confirmed to race next season – including 2017 world champion Jason Doyle and 2018 Swindon Advertiser Rider of the Year Tobiasz Musielak.

Rossiter described Batchelor as a ‘match winner’ and said his capture is a further signal of the club’s intent to regain their SGB Premiership crown, which they lost to Neil Middleditch’s Poole Pirates in the season past.

“This is a key signing for us, Batch can be a match winner and I think this is a move which is great for both rider and club,” said Rossiter.

“He knows Doyley (Jason Doyle) well and they’ll feed off each other I’m certain of that and I know we’re going to see some strength at the top end of the team.

“Everything is positive right now. We’re all excited by the prospect of having Doyley back and when you add Tobiasz (Musielak) and Batch it’s all looking very positive.

“We know the direction the rest of the team is going in and we are happy.

“Of course, all the talking will stop next March and it’s all about what happens out there on the track.”