GLASGOW have snapped up Danish rider Mikkel B Andersen as part of a mid-season team change that sees James Sarjeant depart the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium.
Andersen, who turned 23 yesterday, made his British debut for Redcar last year and produced some eye-catching performances – including a 15-point haul against Scunthorpe last July and eight in his first meeting in April.
He scored a solid six points on his only visit to Ashfield, with two seconds and two thirds while riding at No 2.
He is the brother of Jonas B Andersen who raced with the Bears over the last four seasons and goes straight into the team to face his former club this Friday night.
It marks the end of Sarjeant’s second spell with the club, having been part of the 2015 team before rejoining the Tigers last season.
Glasgow’s Peter Facenna said: “James started the season well and was a key part of our good performances in the early stages but has suffered a dip in form that he has struggled to get out of.
“He is honest and knows he hasn’t met the standards he’s previously set for himself, and with us having a real chance of challenging for the league title, we needed to protect the work we’ve done so far.
“It’s never nice to lose anyone from the team, especially such a great guy like James, and he will always be part of the family and welcomed back to the club at any time. We are gutted it hasn’t worked out for him, but he goes with our very best wishes and we hope he gets back to his best.
“However, we are also excited to bring in Mikkel who impressed with some of his displays last season and we’re keen to see what he can do in Glasgow colours.
“He is a real trier and going by last season’s score here he knows how to get round our track, so if he can keep doing that for us home and away, it will help us consolidate our position and hopefully go on to have a go at winning the trophy.”
It adds extra interest to Friday’s already highly-anticipated meeting when new British Champion Charles Wright will lead the Bears north hoping to go one better than their narrow two-point defeat in the KO Cup last month.