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SWINDON manager Alun Rossiter has reported a positive reaction to his team-building for the 2014 season.The Robins completed their line-up just prior to the New Year with the signing of Nicolai Klindt and will be aiming to reach the play-offs for a third successive season with Troy Batchelor taking over the captaincy.Rossiter said: “The fans have responded superbly. Season ticket sales have been extremely encouraging and we are all very pleased with that.“The team is looking good and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback on that. We’re looking forward to the new season, we have to be looking for a play-off place once again.”

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BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury has revealed how he will be picking up talks with a potential new signing this week.The Brummies co-promoter put negotiations on hold over Christmas but says he had made good progress with one of his targets to join Danny King, Ben Barker and Edward Kennett in the top five at Perry Barr.Drury said: “I’m quite comfortable with the way things are going and obviously the next signing will dictate which direction I go in for the final team place.“Nothing had happened over the Christmas spell because we agreed to talk again this week which is fine. I’d urge all our supporters to stay calm, there is no need to press the panic button just because other teams have finished building their team. I have to do what is right for Birmingham Speedway.”

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STOKE have signed Chris Widman to take the final place in the top five of their much-changed 2014 side.The Leicester-based rider competed most recently for the Isle of Wight last season but has been a regular for practice sessions at Loomer Road in the past.Potters boss Malcolm Vasey said: “Chris is so in tune with the positive aspirations of the rest of the team and indeed the club. This top five all have the determination to go places and they are all interactive riders who will support each other, and I feel we have the makings of a great National League side. “In Chris we have signed a rider who so often raises his game at critical moments in a match situation. We still have to sort out the reserve positions, which are crucial, and I feel that we are close to making a move with one of them and there are a number of options on the table for the other.”