THE return of former world speedway champion Jason Doyle to the Abbey Stadium can help increase awareness of Swindon Robins’ top-tier status in the town, according to co-promoter Lee Kilby.

Kilby – son of Robins legend Bob – was installed as the club’s new co-promoter on Thursday morning following the departure of the long-serving Colin Pratt, who accepted a role at Peterborough.

Having served as commercial manager for two seasons – a role he will continue this year – Kilby insists the team put together by Robins boss Alun Rossiter has made his job of selling the club to fans of all ages much easier.

While a small proportion of supporters have voiced their concern that Doyle’s arrival will eat into the club’s wage budget, Kilby insists the Grand Prix star’s arrival will prove invaluable.

He said: “If a football club signs a big player, they will use the player to their advantage.

“And we will do that where Jason (Doyle) is concerned. I’ve had a few points of contact with Jason since he signed, and he is all over it.

“He’s delighted to be back and has openly told me that he is in a more relaxed place now compared to when he rode for us last time.

“Whenever I speak to people about the team, I mention that we have got a former world champion in our squad.

“It is the first line you say – and I think people will come and watch him and they will be pleased to see him race.

“He (Doyle) is happy to be in that position, because he knows he has got that responsibility.”

Kilby has also backed Doyle’s return to inspire another SGB Premiership title challenge following a frustrating 2018 campaign.

The Robins missed out on a play-off spot after losing at home to Somerset once and Belle Vue twice while failing to build on their two early away wins at Poole and Leicester.

“This is a great time for me to get this co-promoter role, because the team is terrific,” said Kilby.

“You’ve got to have a number one.

“As soon as you get out and win heat one, things snowball. He (Doyle) can come in from heat one and tell Zach (Wajtknecht) and James (Shanes) what he has spotted, and we need that type of leadership.

“To bring Troy (Batchelor), Tobiasz (Musielak) and Adam (Ellis) back is great work from Alun’s point of view too.”