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Speedway: Swindon's recently acquired Australian youngster Richard Sweetman has joined the Isle of Wight on loan.

The 17-year-old has been drafted into the Premier league side as a replacement for fellow Swindon asset Cory Gathercole who is recovering from a broken hand.

Sweetman is expected to make his British debut on Tuesday 22nd July when the Isle of Wight host Berwick in a Premier league encounter at the pacey Smallbrook stadium.

The Isle Of Wight have a rich tradition of nurturing young Australian riders.

In recent years the club has been instrumental in launching the careers of Chris Holder, Adam Shields and Jason Doyle.

Swindon manager Alun Rossiter believes the move is an intelligent one for Sweetman.

Some people have asked why we havent replaced Seb Alden with Richard.

However, to chuck him in the Elite league could destroy the confidence he brings with him.

At seventeen years of age he is a breathtaking talent who needs to be nurtured. I expect Richard to settle well at the Isle of Wight and well be monitoring his progress very closely Isle of Wight co-promoter Dave Pavitt was delighted by the news: This really is an ideal opportunity for us to take a good look at a young rider who is so highly rated and for Richard himself to not only get accustomed to British conditions but to show everyone what he can do Meanwhile, Swindon are moving closer to announcing a replacement for injury victim Seb Alden. The Swedish youngster is set to miss the remainder of the season with a broken heel.

Recently instated number eight rider Joel Parsons will replace Alden for the trip to Ipswich on Monday whilst Manuel Hauzinger has recovered from the bruising he sustained in the home meeting against Belle Vue.

9:09am Friday 18th July 2008

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