FORMER Swindon Robins boss Alun Rossiter has left the Coventry Bees after two years as team manager Rossiter, who was team boss at Swindon for six years before switching the Midlanders announced his departure following the takeover of the club by businessman Mick Horton.

"It is with great regret and sadness that I can confirm I am leaving my positions as co-promoter and team manager of the Coventry Bees,'' said Rossiter.

"Unfortunately I feel I have been placed in an impossible position, and I have had to take this decision for both myself and my family.

"I fully respect the fact that Mick Horton is coming into the club, and that he will be making his own decisions.

"He will have his own figures to work with, and it may be the case that he wishes to take the club in a different direction.

"I would like to thank the fans for their massive support during my two years with the Bees.

"It has been a true roller-coaster, so many ups and downs, but we have brought in some exciting talent and what we achieved together in 2010 will always be very close to my heart.

"In closing I would also like to sincerely wish Mick and everyone else at the club all the very best for the future.

"He is inheriting a fabulous club, a fantastic set of fans who are second to none in the sport.''

Horton said: “I was keen to work with Alun for the 2012 season, but we have been unable to agree terms.

“I respect Alun’s decision, and I wish him well for the future.”

Meanwhile, Scott Nicholls will not be part of the Swindon setup next year after parent club Coventry revealed he would be returning to Brandon.

Nicholls led Coventry to great success between 2005 and 2007, as the Bees won two Elite League titles, two Knockout Cups and the Craven Shield.

Robins co-owner Gary Patchett said: "We are disappointed because we wanted to talk to Scotty about next season, despite a poor year both for the club and Scott himself.

"He has sent me a text message thanking us for our interest but he has agreed terms elsewhere.

"We respect his decision and thank him for his efforts in Swindon colours and wish him well.

"We move on and our team planning now goes in a different direction."

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