LEICESTER youngster Dan Thompson is hoping to pick up some Premiership experience this year.
Thompson, who made great strides in Watling JCB Lions colours last season, is part of Sheffield’s squad as their number eight standby rider.
He’s expected to be at every home meeting for the South Yorkshiremen and will also be called upon in the event of injuries or illness involving their lower order.
He said: “It’s a great opportunity for me, and it was a no-brainer for me to accept it.
“Obviously the club is run by the Bates family who are the owners of Leicester as well, so it makes sense with that as well.
“It’s a brilliant idea to have the No.8s to give us the platform to get some experience in the Premiership, and hopefully it will pay off.
“I want to keep pushing myself forward, keep doing what I’m doing, and hopefully get noticed!”
Thompson has in fact already made one appearance in Tigers colours at Owlerton – when he guested in their narrow 46-44 victory over King’s Lynn last July.
And a vital third place over the highly experienced Lewis Kerr in Heat 7 ultimately proved crucial as the Tigers averted a shock defeat to the bottom club.
Meanwhile riders from both teams – the Lions and the Lion Cubs – will be on track for practice from around 5pm on Friday March 25, with all supporters welcome. The team will face the cameras from about 3.30 at their press and practice.
Season tickets will be on sale from the hospitality units on bend three.
The opening night is the following day when Leicester face Birmingham in a Knockout Cup clash (7pm).
Birmingham are still three riders short from a full team but are expected to put the finishing touches to their side in the next few days.
