AUSTRALIAN Nick Morris is the latest signing for the Swindon Robins' 2017 line-up, joining world number five Jason Doyle, Frenchman David Bellego and Adam Ellis.

Morris did not have a good 2016 season, partly due to a lack of rides in leagues elsewhere.

His efforts to land a place in the top Polish division were thwarted by a couple of below-par performances and he did not double down with a Premier League place in the UK.

Many feel that he would be best served with at least a season away from Blunsdon but competition for team places throughout the sport seems particularly intense and there must be a temptation to take what is offered.

Morris has shown a commitment to Swindon as he embarks on his sixth successive season at the club but it is key that he improves his away form in particular.

It is also vital that he finds some European rides, something which 2016 teammate Rohan Tungate was successful in doing as the season panned out.

The Robins have filled four places and there are just 12.15 points to play with and three riders left to find.

Of this year's team, Josh Grajczonek has signed for fellow Thursday night track Sheffield while Tungate, Justin Sedgmen and asset Stefan Nielsen have been ruled out.

Surely popular Robin Charles Wright is unlikely be rider number five with such a large (6.59) average.

Manager Alun Rossiter has a really difficult task to complete the side.

Swindon supporters will be saddened to hear of the retirement of popular former Abbey rider Simon Stead. Last season he rode exclusively for Sheffield in the Premier League.

The three-time British Under-21 champion is best remembered at Swindon for his heat one, turn two inside overtake of the then-new world champion Chris Holder in the second leg of the 2012 Elite League Play-Off Final at Poole.

His victory in that heat was the catalyst for an overall success for the Robins. The 34-year-old has suffered one serious injury too many and has surely made the right decision but to make him Sheffield’s new team manager is an excelent appointment.