THE door has been opened for Frank Smart to possibly make a return to the Swindon Robins team in the future.

Robins promoter Pete Toogood has given his biggest hint yet that banned Smart could ride again at Blunsdon.

During an exclusive interview with the Evening Advertiser he said, however, that he would first need to test the water with Robins fans.

Smart would not be able to ride in this country until late July 2001 after he was banned for 12 months this summer for failing a routine drugs test at Blunsdon.

It would be more likely that Smart would come into the reckoning for a 2002 Swindon Robins team place.

Smart's ban was a massive blow for the Robins as they lost their number one rider.

He had been an inspiration in the pits, gelled the team together, and clocked up numerous big scores including three maximums.

Smart's heat 15 partnerships with Paul Fry had seen Swindon to several victories and qualification for the latter stages of the Premier Trophy and KO Cup.

But Swindon overcame the loss of Smart to end the season with success in the KO Cup and Young Shield and runners-up for the Premier League title.

Toogood had stayed quiet on the Smart affair since the ban was implemented in July.

But he revealed to the Advertiser: "I would definitely have to test the Swindon fans' reaction before making a firm decision on whether I would take Smart back at Blunsdon in the future."

If Toogood needed any convincing, his answer was evident at the weekend's end of season celebrations.

There was a great ovation for Smart when a message, sent from his home in Australia, to the fans was read out on his behalf at the presentation evening. They also cheered when a representative collected his end of season trophy.

Following the dinner and speeches Toogood talked candidly about the Smart affair.

He said: "When Frank Smart's problem met us head-on we had a meeting with the riders.

"We said we were fairly confident that we could see it through. Paul Fry played a major part for the club in this difficult period. He rode as our number one although he was not employed as a number one.

"Paul rose to the challenge superbly and produced the goods on most circuits."

Toogood said the other riders would welcome Smart back.

"I am sorry that Frank could not be here for the season's celebrations as he was a vital part of the team for the first half of the season," he said.

"I for one just hope one day he will be riding in British Speedway again. I know that if we could have exactly the same team again next season all of the riders would welcome Frank back next year."

Toogood believes the way Smart handled the situation could stand him in good stead for a return.

"I was immensely pleased when Frank put his hand up and said he had done wrong and took it on the chin," he said. "I well remember Frank saying to Mick that he was really proud to be asked to be Swindon's number one."

Smart, talking from his temporary base in Western Australia, said: "I enjoyed my time at Swindon. The fans and management were great. I would definitely like to come back and ride for them again if possible. I have definitely learnt from my mistake and just want to ride in England again."