Hopes are high for a bright future after Berkshire businessman Rick Frost completed his purchase of the club and all rider assets from previous owner Colin Horton.

Now Panthers begin the stiff task of hauling themselves out of the Elite League relegation zone with the first of eight meetings in a hectic final month of the campaign.

The Sky Sports cameras will be shining on the Showground when Swindon – emphatic winners on their previous visit in June – roll into town tonight.

And Swales is anxious for his men to start their climb to safety. He said: "It doesn't take a genius to work out it is going to be a very, very hard meeting after what Swindon did here on their last visit.

"The track was terrible that night but Swindon adapted to the conditions far better than our team did and were worthy winners.

"But we have to make sure they don't leave with the points again. It is time for our boys to roll their sleeves up and put some points on the board to try and get ourselves out of the relegation zone.

"Rick has put his faith in the riders and it is time for them to repay him with a win. There is a real buzz around at the moment and hopefully we can get the right result tonight to maintain it.

"And hopefully the fans will turn out in force as well for the first home meeting since Rick's takeover was completed."

Swindon saw their hopes of a top two finish ended by defeat at Poole last Wednesday, but Alun Rossiter's men are still on course for a place in the play-offs.

Panthers fans will get a first glimpse of young Croatian star Jurica Pavlic who has performed tremendously since joining the Robins in July.

Teams

Panthers: 1 Ryan Sullivan, 2 Lukas Dryml, 3 Kenneth Bjerre, 4 Henning Bager, 5 Danny King, 6 Ty Proctor, 7 Claus Vissing.

Swindon: 1 Leigh Adams, 2 James Wright, 3 Mads Korneliussen, 4 Travis McGowan, 5 Troy Batchelor, 6 Manuel Hauzinger, 7 Jurica Pavlic.