ALUN Rossiter insists fans must grant the British Speedway Promoters’ Association time to fine-tune how supporters’ involvement in the aptly named SGB Premiership Supporters’ Cup can encourage more people to come through the turnstiles.

The inaugural Supporters’ Cup allows fans to vote for their favoured rider to feature in heat 14 from a selection list of four provided by the team manager of both competing clubs.

The fresh take on attempting to boost fans’ inclusion has been met with mixed reaction.

Some are all for the idea, while others insist the current voting system is open to manipulation – with fans from anywhere in the country able to cast one vote per Twitter account.

Rossiter suggested the online vote during last Friday’s meeting at Poole – a meeting which the Robins won 53-37 – saw Poole fans vote in their hundreds for Swindon’s weaker link, Dawid Lampart.

Despite this, the Robins chief insists supporters must realise the sport is trying to fit itself into the 21st century – adding that they should embrace the controversy and inclusion that the new rule offers.

He said: “Last Friday (at Poole), home fans all voted for Dawid (Lampart) in heat 14 - and he went out and got a third. That was good for Dawid to prove himself in that race.

“Supporters will moan that they don’t get involved or get the chance, but it is what it is.

“If we do nothing in the future then supporters will moan that they can’t get involved with anything.

“Of course there will be problems with it, and how people can hijack it – but it’s not the end of the world is it.”

Meanwhile, the Robins resume their Supporters’ Cup campaign at Ipswich tonight (7.30pm) – knowing victory by seven points or more could stretch their Southern Group lead to nine points.

Rossiter sees no reason why his magnificent seven cannot extend their unbeaten run in the competition to four matches.

And he’s backed reserve Zach Wajtknecht to return to form sooner rather than later following a below-par start to his Premiership campaign.

Rossiter added: “With the riders that we have at the moment, I don’t see any reason why we should go to Ipswich with any fear.

“And I mean that – that’s not me being cocky. I’m confident that Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor and Dawid Lampart – riders that haven’t been there for a while – can do the job.

“Our top three are on fire at the moment, we did that last year and then petered out. I’m confident that situation won’t happen this year.

“Ipswich will be on their own territory, so it will be a different kettle of fish. But I don’t see why we can’t go there and pick up a win.

“Zach will get things back together, he is struggling with his motors at the moment.

“Give the boy a chance, it’s no good getting on anyone’s back at the moment – it’s early days.

“I’ll be honest, I’m not going to sit around this year. If I feel like I have to make a change then I will.

“I’ve been criticised for being too loyal, but I will make a move if I can improve the team. What I won’t do is make a change for the sake of it. It’s as simple as that.”