FORMER Great Britain and Coventry boss Colin Pratt has joined Swindon Speedway as a co-promoter with immediate effect.

Pratt is one of the most experienced and widely respected figures within the sport and worked closely with Robins manager Alun Rossiter at Coventry in their title-winning season of 2010.

He replaces Pete Toogood who has informed the club he cannot continue with his promoting duties due to the pressures of his Salisbury business.

Robins spokesman Terry Russell said: “We are delighted to welcome Colin to Swindon Speedway and I’m sure the club will benefit from his vast experience, knowledge and the respect he commands within the sport.

“He will work well with Alun and despite the fact that he is now into his 70s he is very enthusiastic about this appointment and can’t wait to get started.

“I would like to pass on our thanks, on behalf of everyone at Swindon Speedway, to Pete Toogood for all his hard work behind the scenes this season.

Pratt joins Rossiter to represent Swindon at this weekend’s British Speedway Promoters Association conference.

Meanwhile, Swindon are on the look-out for new team sponsors after Excalibur Communications ended their current backing of the club.

Russell has paid tribute to Excalibur Communications CEO James Phipps and has revealed they will still be working for the benefit of the club.

He said: “I’d like to offer our sincere appreciation to James and his team at Excalibur for everything they have done for Swindon Speedway.

“The feeling is that an opportunity is there for an alternative business to come in and work with the Robins branding. We are already in talks with two different parties regarding this.

“James will continue to work with us in other areas of the club to help Swindon Speedway develop and grow.

“As a club, Swindon Robins are in a good position and we look forward to some exciting times ahead.

“Naturally we were disappointed not to do better in the play-offs but you can be sure Rosco will be determined to achieve more in 2015.”