SWINDON chief Ronnie Russell has warned his riders that he will not tolerate ‘passengers’ as he bids to turn round the Robins’ stuttering start to the campaign.

The Blunsdon side currently lie seventh in the Elite League table following a hot-and-cold opening two months, in stark contrast to the form of tonight’s visitors Poole, who currently hold a big lead at top of the standings.

Russell, who last week admitted he was considering changes to his team, said: “We need to develop a run of consistent form and we won't be carrying any passengers, so Thursday is a crucial meeting.

“There is no doubt that it will be very challenging, as the Pirates have shown terrific form since the 2010 season got underway.

“With such a strong squad this will be our sternest test thus far and it's crucial we produce a performance to be proud of.”

Russell has tinkered with his riding order for tonight’s encounter with struggling Dane Morten Risager shifting to partner Leigh Adams at two, and Mads Korneliussen assuming his fellow countryman’s vacated berth at three.

Grzegorz Zengota rides at four and Simon Stead shuffles to five, meaning the Sheffield-born speedster will partner skipper Adams in heat 13.

With Thomas H. Jonasson banned and Cory Gathercole riding for Somerset in the Premier League, Jordan Frampton is expected to partner Justin Sedgmen at reserve.

Gathercole admitted he was frustrated to miss out on the meeting against the league’s top side, as he bids to rack up the points for his Elite League outfit.

“I want to ride as many meeting as possible at Swindon and get myself going,” he said. “Missing an opportunity isn’t ideal but I’ve got other commitments.

“I’ve found the start to the season pretty average. I’ve stayed at a pretty consistent five to eight points which is alright for a reserve but I want to be banging in more like 10.”

He added: “Poole are equally as strong at reserve as their middle guys and I think that plays a pretty important role.

“If your reserves are banging in the points then that takes a bit of pressure off the top guys.

“They are an awesome team but they aren’t winning away all the time. We need to keep it close and try and get a few points.”

Poole will be without in-form reserve Leon Madsen due to a virus and his place will be taken over by guest Craig Watson.

Elsewhere, the Pirates track a formidable-looking side that includes talented trio Chris Holder, Davey Watt and Bjarne Pedersen.