NEW Leicester team boss Simon Stead insists there’s an exciting year in front of the club ahead of Monday’s opener with Somerset (7.30).
The Watling JCB Lions are being widely tipped for a much more positive campaign and are among the frontrunners for success in 2018.
Stead says he couldn’t be happier with the side he’s inherited and is looking forward to locking horns with the Rebels at the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena, who include reigning World Champion Jason Doyle.
“I really like the balance of our team this year,” Stead said.
“We’ve got Martin (Vaculik) who’s a Grand Prix rider making his British league debut.
“We’ve got a top quality, experienced campaigner in Hans Andersen who will bring so many benefits both on and off the track.
“Then you look at Krystian (Pieszczek) who’s an exciting, talented young Pole and he can’t wait to get going over here either.
“Mix that with the reliable force that is Danny (King) and the potential held by Kyle Newman, James (Sarjeant) and Josh (Bates) and I think we’re in for a really exciting year at Leicester.
“It’s going to be good to get a challenge meeting under our belts on Monday – and there’s no better test than going up against a team that include the current World Champ.
“I really hope the supporters turn out in big numbers on Monday, as well as for the rest of the season, because the promotion deserve some form of reward for the ambition they’ve shown in assembling such an impressive looking side.”
The Lions have been granted a 28 day facility for Josh Bates who is sidelined with a back injury. The youngster is due a scan on April 16 and is already making excellent progress with regular physio sessions.
A reminder that the club’s press and practice will take place on Sunday (March 25).
The team will arrive at the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena before meeting with sponsors and season ticket holders between 10.30am and 11am. From 11.15 onwards gates will open to the general public.
Press photographs and media interviews will take place at 11.30am before the new-look team take their first practice laps in front of fans this year.
LEICESTER: Martin Vaculik, Josh Bates R/R, Danny King, Krystian Pieszczek, Hans Andersen, Kyle Newman, James Sarjeant
SOMERSET: Jason Doyle, Jake Allen, Charles Wright, Jack Holder, Richard Lawson, Jonas Jeppesen, Bradley Wilson-Dean
