LEICESTER have completed their 2022 line-up with the signing of highly rated British youngster Anders Rowe.
The 19-year-old was a man in demand this winter with several Championship clubs looking to capture his signature.
Rowe enjoyed a blistering start to this year’s campaign before seeing his scoring fall due to an ongoing knee injury – and that means he will start the new season as a potentially powerful reserve for the Watling JCB Lions alongside Joe Thompson.
With those injury issues now behind him, Rowe admits the presence of team boss Stewart Dickson at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena was a key factor in his decision to join the club.
He said: “Stewart is really cool, and he’s been in touch with me I think every year, probably four or five times!
“The track is really good there, and although my last meeting there was a bad one, that was just from my injury, and overall I like the track.
“Whenever I’ve been there in the past for practice or racing it seems to suit me. It’s a good race-track and Stewart prepares it how the whole team wants it, so everyone is happy with it and confident – and hopefully we’ll win a lot of races!
“The team looks strong to be honest, it’s a good consistent team with Nick (Morris), Richie (Worrall) and Kyle (Howarth) at the top, so we should be pretty strong.
“Obviously I know all the boys, and we all get on well, and it’s always a good track to go to because there’s always a good number of people in the stands, which is really nice to see.”
Dickson added: “With Anders starting at reserve alongside Joe, I think it will give us a very strong, potent two at the bottom end.
“For me, Anders really should be challenging for a heat-leader spot with the ability he’s got, and it’s not really worked for him with injury over the last year or so.
“I think he needs a bit of stability, which he’ll get at Leicester, and I think the fans will love him.”
Lions supporters can get a very early opportunity to see their new signing in track action, as Rowe will be riding for the first time this winter in a practice session at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Saturday (Dec 18).
That coincides with the stadium being open to the public from 11am-1pm for sales of season tickets and Track Shop merchandise from the hospitality units.
WATLING JCB LIONS 2022: Nick Morris, Richie Worrall, Kyle Howarth (c), Connor Mountain, Dan Thompson, Anders Rowe, Joe Thompson.
