In case you missed it see what’s in this section
We recommend
Let's Talk
Your Total Guide To sport
Swindon Robins' Jason Doyle targets the play-offs in 2017 Speedway Premiership season
Jason Doyle has urged his Swindon Robins side to prove their doubters wrong as they edge nearer to the start line of the 2017 British Speedway Premiership season, writes Ryan Walker.
Ahead of Swindon's season opener, away to Leicester on April 1, Doyle discussed how he is extremely grateful to Swindon for standing by him when new rule changes affecting averages cast unpredictability over his position in the side this season.
“I was a bit surprised when we all first heard the new rules," he said.
“I’d like to firstly thank Terry and Wayne Russell the owners for sticking by me when the rules changed and my average went way above what it should be.
“I think this year is going to be very difficult. Hopefully at the end of the year I’ll be bonus point king because that’s the only way we are going to be able to drop the averages down to make it a lot easier.
The Robins will start the 2017 season with one of the youngest squads in the league, and while the world number five admits it will be a tough season, he also said of how he expects big things from the Swindon newcomers.
“We’ve got a real young squad and all these boys are eager to prove the doubters wrong that we will be bottom of the league and a walk over for other sides.
“People treated us the same last year and we did quite well, but hopefully this year we can make the play-offs.
“I think my captain’s role will be a lot easier this year as well even though we have a younger side. Last season it was hard to try and tell boys that I rode with for many years how to ride a motorbike,” he added.
“There were probably too many Aussies in the team to be honest and we started clashing a little bit.
“I think this year will be easier because the young lads will be eager to listen to the advice that me and Nick [Morris] give them as they want to learn.
On a personal level Doyle had the best year of his career last season winning four Grand Prix’s in total and looking set to become World Champion before crashing out in the Torun Grand Prix.
However the Swindon skipper insists that is all in the past and he is both mentally and physically ready to challenge again.
“That’s life at the end of the day,” quipped Doyle.
“We move forward now and what’s done is done. I’m 100 per cent fit both physically and mentally.”
Weather in Swindon
Listings