LEICESTER will make a team change ahead of their next ROWE Motor Oil Premiership fixture with Joe Thompson returning to the Rising Star position in place of Dan Gilkes.
Thompson spent a 28-day stint with the Watling JCB Lions earlier this season when Gilkes required more time to complete his recovery from a long-term knee injury, and subject to BSPL approval he will be back in the side for the home clash with Sheffield next Thursday (May 28).
Gilkes returned to take his team place for the recent league matches against Northampton, but he has found top-flight racing tough, and the club feel he would be better served getting back up to speed in the Championship where he has recently joined Scunthorpe.
Manager Stewart Dickson said: “There’s no lack of ability with Dan but I do feel there’s a lack of confidence at the moment, and unfortunately the Premiership season is too short to allow it to run away from us.
“I did stick by my word to bring him back after 28 days, and I’ve spoken to him this morning to explain my reasons, which he has accepted from me.
“I want to make it clear, though, that he is not being made a scapegoat for last night’s defeat at Northampton. That was a collective night of falls, errors and mechanical issues across the team, and I am watching one or two other riders where we do have fitness concerns.
“I very much appreciate Joe agreeing to come back in, because he could have taken umbrage after doing very well only for us to bring Dan back, as we honoured the agreements we had previously made.
“I think it speaks volumes of Joe that there were no gripes or ill-will, he agreed straight away as I expected him to, and I do think I’ve been pretty up-front and straight with both riders throughout.
“I’m doing what I feel is best for the club, and I do feel this change makes sense. We’d like to give our thanks to Dan and wish him well in the Championship with Scunthorpe. I know two meetings wasn’t a lot of time, but in the Premiership we don’t have a lot of time.”
Thompson completed four meetings with the Lions last month where he played a key role in helping them to reach the Premiership KO Cup Final.
He picked up scores of six and 5+3 in the home wins over Belle Vue and Sheffield as well as a crucial 5+2 in the away victory at Owlerton.
He said: “I’m really pleased to be asked back to Leicester. I felt like I rode really well during my 28-day contract and I’m looking forward to being part of the team fully while continuing my progression.
“It was also great to qualify for the Premiership Knockout Cup Final, and I feel like we can go far this season.
“Thank you to everyone for the support while I was there - I’m really looking forward to being back.”
