Staechmann replaces Russell as Swindon Robins manager
Last updated on .From the section Motorsport
Jan Staechmann has been appointed team manager at Swindon Robins.
The former Denmark boss takes over from Ronnie Russell, who has stood down from the role to focus on track preparations at the Abbey Stadium.
"I've had good success with the Danish team and I'm hoping that template will translate onto Swindon Robins," he told BBC Wiltshire.
"Hopefully with confidence and the right atmosphere in the team we can start winning again."
Russell was brought in as team manager in January 2010 and his side finished sixth in the Elite League last season.
But they have struggled for results this term, having won just five of their 14 meetings.
Robins co-owner Gary Patchett added: "Ronnie has stood down by mutual consent. This will allow him to fully focus on the preparation of the track and relaying the top bend which has been badly affected by the ingress of sand from the dog track.
"It was extremely difficult for Terry Russell (co-owner and brother of Ronnie) to agree to this but we were in agreement that we needed to.
"Ron has been a victim of an unfortunate set of circumstances with initial uncertainty over the availability of Polish riders and injuries but he doesn't the ride the bike so the riders need to be aware that they must shoulder their share of the responsibility for this.
"Jan was the only candidate considered for the position and is very enthusiastic about the role.
"I thought I'd be handcuffing him if I didn't let him put his own stamp on the team but he is confident that he can get the best out of the current squad. Having him involved now will give us the opportunity to plan for next year in good time whilst still doing our utmost to turn this season around."
Staechmann's first meeting in charge will be at home to Eastbourne on 21 July.
