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WORKINGTON skipper and club asset Richard Lawson will lead the Comets once again under the new promotion at Derwent Park next season.New owner and co-promoter Laura Morgan said: We are delighted to announce Richard as our first signing for next season and he will continue the role as captain of the side, which he carried out very professionally for the first time this year. There is absolutely no doubt that he will build on those leadership skills again next year.Fellow co-promoter and team manager Tony Jackson added: Richard has increased his average every season since he took up the sport and he established himself as our No.1 last season. He is determined to hold on to that position and to increase his average once again next season. I believe it is a great start to our team building and one that will prove to be very popular with the fans.

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SHEFFIELD have announced the signing of Australian newcomer Damien Koppe for their Premier League challenge next season.Koppe, 24, joins Joe Haines as a confirmed starter for the Tigers in 2013 having impressed club bosses in several after-meeting rides at Owlerton this year.Co-promoter David Hoggart said: Weve actually had a deal in place with Damien for about seven weeks because we knew that there was a lot of interest in him, so we wanted to get him with us early on.Everything just feels right about the deal; hes very level-headed, excellent with the mechanics of the bike, fast, smooth and he is so enthusiastic about being with us. Ive seen him ride plenty of times and every single time I have been impressed, he is a great prospect for us.