Speedway legend James Grieves believes Glasgow are carrying the same spirit as the 2011 league-winning side he was part of.
But he’s told the Tigers they must win their double-header against Newcastle this weekend if they’re serious about repeating the feat.
The 40-year-old from Paisley, who retired in 2013, is part of the Tigers revolution this season as mechanic for No 1 Nick Morris.
He says there’s a “fresh buzz” around the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium following its £1 million winter overhaul – and that the whole club is set up for success.
Glasgow will finally make a return to the track on Sunday after a couple of weather-affected weeks when the Diamonds pay a visit, before heading south for the return leg on Monday.
Grieves said: “The Glasgow team is solid. You’ve got young James Sarjeant who’s a real goer, and is up and coming. That’s what you need – you need good reserves. They’re probably the most important part of your team. If you can get a couple of reserves to score points and pop out and beat the odd heatleader, then you’re laughing. You’ve also got Victor Palovaara who goes well at Edinburgh, which is a bonus.
“I think they could probably go away from home and do some damage. The likes of against Newcastle – they need to be looking to win these matches, because they’re not the strongest of teams. They need to be aiming high.
“I think they’ll do really well this season. With the new setup and the better support from the fans, I think the riders will thrive on that in their new surrounds. There’s a fresh buzz about the place and it does affect the riders. It will help them on and off the track.
“I’ve noticed a difference already with the team – they stop in after the meeting, whereas before, a lot wouldn’t have because the facilities weren’t there. Now, they’re 10 out of 10. The riders get a happy vibe from it and they’ll want to do well in front of a good crowd, and do well for the Facennas.
“From the outside looking on, they all help one another, they all talk and they all get on. There’s definitely team spirit there. It’s similar to 2011.”
Focus
Grieves insists that once the Tigers get a run of matches at home, their top men will be “near unbeatable”. But he says it won’t all be plain sailing for the pre-season title favourites – as Glasgow are now seen as a big scalp for visiting teams.
He said: “If I was team manager Stewart Dickson, I’d be saying that the Newcastle matches are ones they should be winning and they should be focused on winning those meetings. I just mechanic for Nick now, but even I’m focusing and saying to myself that we need to win, particularly on Monday. I’m thinking as if I’m still riding – this is a must win.
“There are a few solid teams out there so they can’t become complacent. It’s going to be a tough old season, because everybody’s going to be coming to Glasgow and wanting to put on a good show, and they’ll want to be beating Glasgow.”
Grieves hung up his steel shoe just 14 months before the Facenna brothers’ takeover of the Tigers. Although he wishes he was still racing, he says he’s loving the revitalisation of the club he’s always supported.
He added: “I wish I could be riding again – but you can’t turn back time and I’m not getting any younger. I’m enjoying the new role that Nick’s given me. It’s a fresh challenge.
“It’s the club I supported before I even started racing so it’s still my passion to be involved with Glasgow. It’s just great – it’s like a dream come true for us all.”
Meanwhile, fresh from their appearance in front of the Sky Sports cameras last week, the Tigers will once again be showcased live on TV when their Premier League match at Peterborough on June 24 is shown by the broadcaster.
The match has been rearranged after it was postponed on Friday.