SWINDON Robins have said thank you to Excalibur and Pebley Beach for their temporary custodianship that ensured the club could make it through until the end of the season.

The move by the Robins’ two local sponsors ensured the survival of the club during an unsettling season financially.

While Excalibur and Pebley will continue to support the club, the Robins are now taking control of themselves once again with the help of former owner Pete Toogood.

James Phipps, CEO at Excalibur, said: “We’ve steadied the ship for the past three months giving the club a firm foundation for the future.

“With Pete’s expertise and Rosco’s management skills I’m confident that we can take a step back from the running of the club as it’s in a much better place.

“To cement our belief in the Robins, Excalibur will continue to be title sponsors for 2014.

“We are all looking forward to focusing on the racing rather than the drama off track.”

Pebley Beach have supported the club for some 13 years so were happy to step in with Excalibur. Company owner Dom Threlfall said: “It’s fair to say it was a challenging year, we had to take some action otherwise the speedway club would not have survived.

“It’s certainly in a much better state now and I look forward to being a supporter again as opposed to being directly involved.”

Robins team manager Alun Rossiter said: “We are indebted to Excalibur and Pebley, the support they have given us is tremendous and it’s purely down to them that we’re still here.

“They are both heavily involved in the local community and wouldn’t let Swindon lose their club.

“Now we’re back in control and with the help of Pete, we are urging all our supporters, old, new and those who have never tried it to come along and support us in 2014.

“We can’t do it without you, so get ready for the new season in March and help us protect this legendary sport.”