ROBINS skipper Leigh Adams is relishing the prospect of playing grandad' to Swindon's new young team in 2008.

At 37 next month, the world no 2 is comfortably the most experienced member of this year's Blunsdon line-up, reserve Theo Pijper being a distant 28 and four of the team aged 24 and under.

Adams, just back after winter in his native Australia, has never been afraid to offer his nous to colleagues in the pits.

And he expects that role to become even more vital as Robins new-look side start their Elite League campaign later this month.

"It's a young team and we've totally flipped the coin from where were last year,'' said Adams.

"We've gone down a different road and I'm like the grandfather I guess!

"But I think it's good. Hopefully, I can rub off some of my experience on these guys and try and tame them a little bit.'' Doubts have been raised about the strength of the team, which was almost completely rebuilt following the reduction in the points limit.

But Adams, who led his side to runners-up spot in all three major domestic competitions in 2007, insisted: "I think we've got a half-decent team.

"Injuries will play a part and these young kids do get them, but I'm pumped about it.'' He added: "I'm at that time in my career where I think I can throw a lot back to people and hopefully these kids will take it on board. My role is being a captain and helping these kids out.'' Robins were pipped to all the major prizes by Coventry last year and Adams admitted: "Last year took it's toll because everybody banged us down as favourites and expected a lot.

"It probably didn't go as smoothly as I thought it would - there were a lot of matches we lost that we should not have.

"This time, Eastbourne look really good and you have got teams that are going to be really strong at home, like Arena (Lakeside), so it's going to be about the teams who can travel and get the three points for the away win.

"Everyone is raving about Poole, Eastbourne and Lakeside, but it will be one of those years.

"I'm not that worried about not going in as favourites. We can lay back, enjoy it and let the rest battle it out early on.

"Last year, you could pretty much say which four teams would be up there, but I think this year there will be a lot in the mix-up, which is what they wanted.

"I see us as one of those teams. I think we can shake a lot of people.''