AFTER their away match at Belle Vue on Monday, the next slice of pulsating Sky Sports Elite League action at Blunsdon will see the Robins face Wolverhampton on Thursday 24 April, starting at 7.30 p.m.
And although Swindon failed to add to their 30-match winning streak in their last home match against Ipswich, the 45-45 draw meant that they did at least remain unbeaten at the Abbey in the league for the thirty-first successive meeting, so will be looking to further extend that impressive figure against the Wolves.
Team manager Alun Rossiter said: “The absence of Mads Korneliussen was a big blow and proved to be a crucial factor in us not being able to maintain our winning run at home last week.
“However, if someone had said at the start of the week that we would get 4 points from the two matches against Ipswich, then I think we would have been happy to take that.
“In saying that, I think I was entitled to feel a little disappointed at only being able to draw last Thursday’s match. We need to get a couple of the boys going a bit better and I’m sure we will achieve that.
“Anyway, I’ve parked-up last week’s result and we continue to look forward to the challenges that lie ahead this season.
“Thursday’s match will be another test for the boys, as Wolverhampton have a very solid look about them this season.
“We know how well a number of their riders go at our place and I’m sure it will be another cracking night of speedway for the supporters.”
After a few quiet seasons, Wolverhampton will be hoping that their new-look squad will be challenging for honours in 2008.
The foundation of the team is constructed around Fredrik Lindgren, Niels-Kristian Iversen and David Howe, whilst the inclusion of Nicolai Klindt and Kenneth Hansen represent the club’s increasing tendency to place an emphasis on youth.
Ales Dyrml made a surprise move to the Black Country and much of Wolverhampton’s potential success in the 2008 season will depend on the performances of the Czech rider.
To complete the squad, Chris Neath is the club’s No. 8 rider this term and he is, of course, well-known to Swindon fans after spending two successive years at Blunsdon in 2002 and 2003.
At the time of going to press, the Robins were hoping to be able to welcome Mads Korneliussen back into the fold at Belle Vue in Monday’s away meeting, so hopes are high that the Dane will be alright for Thursday’s encounter.
Meanwhile, with the Isle of Wight due to appear at Sheffield in the Knock-Out Cup on Thursday, it means that Swindon’s No. 8 rider, Cory Gathercole, is unavailable to stand-in for shoulder-injury victim Theo Pijper. With several options in mind, Rosco was still in the process of finding the right man for the job when this release was prepared.
VISITORS FACTFILE: WOLVERHAMPTON PARRYS INTERNATIONAL WOLVES
Ales DRYML
DOB: 19 October 1979, Pardubice, Czech Republic.
FORMER Czech international, who was the final piece of Wolverhampton’s 2008 team jigsaw.
His inclusion at Monmore Green surprised many within the sport, but the opportunity offers Dryml the chance to continue re-building his career after the sickening crash that nearly cost him his life at Oxford in 2006.
In his previous visits to the Abbey, he has ridden very well and it will be interesting to see how the stylish twenty-eight-year-old performs on Thursday evening.
Kenneth HANSEN
DOB: 19 October 1987, Herlev, Denmark.
HANSEN started his British career with Workington in the Premier League last year, but an early-season injury saw his team place taken by Carl Stonehewer, when the Comets’ legend made a dramatic return to the sport.
Wolverhampton subsequently moved quickly to snap up the youngster, who endured an injury-plagued 2007, but kept bouncing back to register some impressive hauls.
Has begun this term in a second-string capacity and will be aiming to maintain that position as the year unfolds.
Christian HEFENBROCK
DOB: 15 May 1985, Liebenthal, Germany.
TALENTED German youngster, who returned to the Wolverhampton side after spending a season away from the club riding for Lakeside and Peterborough, respectively.
First joined the Wolves in 2006, endearing himself to the Monmore Green faithful with a scattering of solid scores and entertaining performances.
It was therefore something of a surprise when he was allowed out on loan last season, in a year that saw him gain a wild-card entry for the German Grand Prix.
David HOWE
DOB: 1 March 1982, Leicester, Leicestershire.
THE British rider enjoyed a superb and resurgent 2007 with the Wolves, despite suffering two collarbone injuries.
Indeed, Howe finished second in the British Championship, which provided the Leicester-born rider with a wild-card for the magnificent British Grand Prix at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
A renowned track specialist at Wolverhampton’s intricate Monmore Green circuit, although he has never really excelled at the larger Blunsdon raceway.
Howe will be hoping for another successful season as he continues his bid for a spot in the national squad.
Niels-Kristian IVERSEN
DOB: 20 June 1982, Esbjerg, Denmark.
DANISH Grand Prix rider, who moved to Wolverhampton in the winter after spending the previous two seasons with Peterborough.
An extremely classy performer, who many within the sport predict will stamp his authority on international speedway in years to come.
His leg-trailing style suits the wide-open spaces of Blunsdon and the Dane will, doubtless, be targeting a double-figure score on Thursday evening.
Nicolai KLINDT
DOB: 29 December 1988, Outrup, Denmark.
KLINDT was unveiled as a Wolverhampton signing during the latter part of the 2007 campaign in readiness for this term.
The highly-rated Danish youngster had been linked with Poole and Peterborough, but, after spending a day with Wolves’ team manager Peter Adams, he agreed to join the Black Country side.
Klindt is at the forefront of plenty of young Danish riders, who are expected to excel in years to come.
Fredrik LINDGREN
DOB: 15 September 1985, Orebro, Sweden.
ANOTHER Grand Prix rider who sports the Wolverhampton race-jacket in 2008 and Lindgren is arguably one of the most exciting youngsters currently performing in world speedway.
The Swede, who skippers the Black Country side, spent the winter riding Down Under in Australia and has started his 2008 European season very well, indeed.
A proven performer at Blunsdon, who certainly goes about his work with plenty of style and determination.
SWINDON MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD
Thursday’s Swindon Man of the Match Award is sponsored by IN2PETS. Based in Oxfordshire, IN2PETS specialise in exotic pets, ranging from reptiles, birds and fish, to everyday family pets.
Their proprietor, Graham Mills, who is a long-standing friend and supporter of the Robins, would be delighted to receive any enquiries by either telephone on 01993 773111 or by popping into his shop, which is situated at 2 & 4 Corn Street in Witney. The company also has a web-site, which can be found at: www.in2pets.co.uk
VIP PACKAGES
Swindon Speedway pride themselves in offering one of the best VIP packages in sport, where both the ardent fan and the complete newcomer can enjoy a superb evening of fast and furious entertainment, alongside exclusive pre-meeting pit-walks, and a table in the newly refurbished Legends’ Lounge.
Bookings for these packages have increased year-on-year and already a large number of companies have booked team nights out and meeting sponsorships for the 2008 season. Tickets are available by calling Commercial Manager Paul Oughton on 01305 755607 or via e-mail at: paul.oughton@swindon-speedway.co.uk
TEAMS FOR THURSDAY 24 APRIL, Parade 7.20 p.m.; Tapes-up 7.30 p.m.
SWINDON ROBINS (Green sheet averages shown in brackets)
(TBC) 1. Leigh Adams (Captain, 10.30); 2. James Wright (4.73); 3. Troy Batchelor (5.74); 4. Mads Korneliussen (5.18); 5. Travis McGowan (5.34); 6. A.N. Other (3.70); 7. Seb Alden (3.84). Team manager: Alun Rossiter.
WOLVERHAMPTON PARRYS INTERNATIONAL WOLVES (Green sheet averages shown in brackets)
1. Fredrik Lindgren (Captain, 7.75); 2. Ales Dryml (5.00); 3. Niels-Kristian Iversen (7.38); 4. Kenneth Hansen (4.00); 5. David Howe (6.45); 6. Christian Hefenbrock (3.93); 7. Nicolai Klindt (4.00). Team manager: Peter Adams.
Referee: D.A. Watters.
Admission prices: Adults £15, Concessions £12, Children (12-16 years) £5, Kids (11 years and under) Free.
SWINDON ROBINS IN ASSOCIATION WITH TEAM PARTNERS PEBLEY BEACH HYUNDAI, REDCARE LOGISTICS AND A.C. NURDEN LTD.
SIXTY SUCCESSIVE SEASONS AND STILL GOING STRONG!
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE BY ROBERT BAMFORD
SWINDON SPEEDWAY PRESS OFFICER
EMAIL: Rbamfordspeedway@aol.com
TEL: 01666 823469
OFFICIAL CLUB WEBSITE: www.swindon-speedway.co.uk
OFFICIAL CLUB HOTLINE: 09068 664682 (Premium rate applies)
