Robins claim Emil coup

Swindon rival Poole for Russian

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 7th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Robins claim Emil coup

Sajfutdinov: A wanted man <a href='http://Fotospeedway.pl'>Fotospeedway.pl</a>

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Swindon Robins have claimed that World Under-21 champion Emil Sajfutdinov has agreed to join them for the 2009 Elite League season, and not rivals Poole.

Champions Poole said earlier this month that Sajfutdinov - the hottest property in world speedway - would only ride for them if he decides to come to England next year.

However, Swindon have now claimed that they reached agreement with Sajfutdinov - but his appearance in the Grand Prix series next year means he is unlikely to be fitted into the Robins VII.

"We communicated extensively with Emil and his manager towards the conclusion of the 2008 campaign and a move to Swindon for the '09 season was verbally agreed," said Robins co-owner Gary Patchett.

"However, it is almost certain Emil will receive a Wild Card into the 2009 GP series which means his Elite League starting average will automatically jump from a four to an eight point figure.

"That elevated figure would make it impossible to include Emil in our team building plans.

"Nevertheless, the fact he was extremely keen to join Swindon once again demonstrates the esteem with which the club is held in the wider speedway community.

"It's great for Robins' fans to know that Swindon was Emil's first choice."

McGowan option

Meanwhile, Swindon boss Alun Rossiter has confirmed that the club are considering bring Australian Travis McGowan back to the club next year.

"I know that if we don't use Travis next season there are plenty of clubs who will happily take a punt on him with his low average," said Rossiter.

"Having already chatted with Matt Ford at Poole about who we might and might not use, he would almost certainly take the chance.

"Travis has never been a top line rider, but I do believe he is capable of averaging between seven and eight points a match.

"I am not saying he is definitely in at this stage, but those two good meetings late on show that he is still a very much better rider than we saw in 2008."