OUTGOING co-promoter Colin Pratt admits it was a tough decision to leave Swindon Robins after taking up a similar post at SGB Premiership newcomers Peterborough Panthers earlier this week.

Pratt joined the Swindon management team in late 2014 and enjoyed title-winning success during his tenure, with the Robins crowned Premiership champions in 2017.

However, Norfolk-based Pratt is to move on for the 2019 season, stating the opportunity to work closer to home at Peterborough was too good to turn down following the Panthers elevation from the Championship for the coming campaign.

The Robins have moved swiftly to replace Pratt, with Lee Kilby – the son of legendary Swindon rider Bob – joining co-promoter Alun Rossiter, Steve Park and chairman Terry Russell as part of the management team at the Abbey Stadium.

Pratt said: “It’s a sad day for me to leave Swindon because I’ve had some great times there and they have good people at the club.

“I go back years with Terry Russell and I thank him for the opportunity to work with Swindon.

“Peterborough is closer to my Norfolk base and it makes perfect sense for me to go there.

“I wish Swindon all the very best. They’ll be a good team with Jason Doyle going back there.”

Although sad to see long-time colleague Pratt move on, Robins chairman Russell was delighted to get Kilby on board in a more prominent role, having previously served as commercial manager.

Alongside team boss Rossiter, Russell believes Kilby to be “the future of the club”.

Russell said: “Colin leaves with our good wishes. I totally get it that he has a chance to work for a club closer to home and we wish him all the very best.

“We are excited to offer Lee this opportunity. He’s Swindon through and through with the family connection and his father, Bob, was a great rider.

“In many ways, Lee is the future of the club alongside Alun Rossiter.”