Glasgow Tigers have put an end to much supporter guessing and speculation by tonight announcing our first FIVE signings for the 2015 season – and it’s a welcome back to three riders who have previously worn the Tigers Stripes.
Making a sensational return to the club who first brought him to the UK and helped launch his British career is the all action Ashfield hero, Aussie NICK MORRIS.
Nick – who of course helped Tigers to Premier League glory in 2011 – has made huge strides in the sport since arriving as a raw 16 year old back in 2010, and has well established himself as an Elite League regular with an impressive collection of league winning/play-off final medals in each of the last 4 seasons! Nick returns to Glasgow following a very strong year at Somerset, and will start the new season with an average of 8.14.
A very warm welcome back to Glasgow Nick!
The club, and all supporters, will be equally delighted at the news that the ultra-stylish Frenchman DIMITRI BERGE will once again be lining up in a Tigers race jacket in 2015.
Despite only completing a relative small number of fixtures in his debut season before being sidelined, twice, through serious injury, there is no denying that Dimitri made a huge impression with all connected with the club. He is a precocious speedway talent and an emerging force in the sport, the club is very proud to have him back in our ranks for the challenges ahead. Dimitri will start the season with an average of 4.90.
Bien venue Dimitri – great to have you back on track as a Tiger!
The third returnee Tiger, and set to make a big impression on what will be his first full season of British racing, is club asset and rising star, Sweden’s VICTOR PALOVAARA.
By his own admission Glasgow fans haven’t seen the best of young Victor, something which he intends to put right in 2015 when he starts the season in the Tigers reserve berth as he seeks to transfer his undoubted Swedish League form to the Premier League. Victor will start the season with an average of 3.00. Welcome back to Glasgow Victor!
In a message to Glasgow supporters Victor, in his own words, makes his intentions clear:
“I am very happy to sign with Glasgow and I know I will do a lot better this time with my own bikes. A also wanted to say thank you guys for believing in me after my bad performances in 2014, I know that 2015 will be a lot better”
Linking up with Tigers, and joining Victor at reserve for 2015, is one of the most talented and sought after young British riders, JAMES SARJEANT.
James caught the attention of the British speedway public this season as one of the stand out successes of the inaugural Fast Track system as demonstrated through his committed and mature riding with Elite League finalists Coventry Bees. His highly successful year ensured that several Premier League clubs had been chasing his signature for the season ahead, therefore it is a huge feather in our cap to have secured James as a Tiger. Our thanks to Mick Horton at Coventry for his assistance. James will link up at reserve on a starting 3.00 average. Welcome to Glasgow James!
Finally, and by no means least, the club are excited to welcome another Aussie, KOZZA SMITH, as a first time Glasgow Tiger for 2015.
Kozza is a rider who has always featured on our ‘wanted’ list as a future Glasgow rider, and is an exceptionally talented rider who is Mr Popular with speedway supporters. Of course Kozza, having been with Berwick in 2013, was forced to sit out last season due to work permit red tape, however returns to make up for that lost time in the colours of the Tigers. We’d like to thank Buster Chapman at Kings Lynn for his assistance in securing Kozza who will start the season with an average of 7.15. Welcome on board Team Tiger Kozza!
We hope that you will join us in warmly welcoming all five lads as a big part of Team Tiger. We’re certain that you will agree we all have much to look forward to come the Spring time – and with two riders yet to name!
With some 16.31 points left to utilise, discussions continue to formally complete the remainder of the 2015 side. Of course we will bring you more news – inclusive of season ticket availability – just as soon as it is appropriate to do so.