(SPEEDWAY 1)

LAKESIDE have announced the return of popular Polish rider Piotr Swiderski to Purfleet next season.Swiderski missed most of the 2012 campaign whilst recovering from a broken leg but is a favourite with Hammers fans, who have received further good news with confirmation that Davey Watt has signed-on again as club captain.Lakeside co-promoter Jon Cook said: Piotr was in touch towards the end of the season to express his interest in a return to Essex once fully fit, but he wisely turned down our approaches to return for a spell at the end of last year as he wasn't fully prepared and fit at that time. However, now hes ready and we both believe he can return to his 2011 form, which made him a firm heat leader in our line-up.Watty has made himself an integral part of the club in less than a year and hes our natural captain. His words of encouragement to all immediately after Lee Richardson's death will stay with me for a very long time and he has an ability to get the best out of his team mates, which is exactly what you need from the Captain position.

(SPEEDWAY 2)

BEN Reade is to remain with Stoke for a third season in the National League in 2013.Reade made great strides this year, upping his average from 3.00 to an impressive 7.70 and also gained some Premier League experience with Plymouth.Stoke promoter Dave Tattum said: Im delighted to be welcoming Ben back. He is a good lad who has improved superbly over the past twelve months, and Im sure he will continue to improve next season and be one of the top riders in the National League. The team is now starting to take shape and Im happy with the way things are starting to move forward as we look to put out an entertaining and winning team on track for next season.