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SIMON Stead has joined Leicester to complete the Elite League newcomers’ line-up for 2014.The experienced Great Britain international will be doubling-up with the Lions whilst also leading Sheffield in the Premier League, and is on the comeback trail after breaking his leg in a practice crash last June.Leicester promoter David Hemsley said: “Up to the time of his accident Simon was delivering a string of exceptionally high scores and in fact had the fifth best average in the whole of the Premier League. Both clubs felt his absence and Simon was running into good form as well for King’s Lynn. “He is a seasoned Elite League rider with a proven record so we know what he is capable of and I am pleased that Simon has agreed to ride for the club.”Leicester have also confirmed co-promoter Alan Jones has stepped down from his position due to personal reasons, although he will remain involved as the club’s press officer.

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LAKESIDE are to mark the start of a new era of top-flight racing in the UK with new-look race suits for the coming season.The Hammers have retained their traditional club colours in the re-design, and associated merchandise will be available for fans.Co-promoter Jon Cook said: “We felt that the time was right to freshen up the team look but keeping the claret and blue as the central Club colours. The riders are delighted with the new look and we hope fans will be too. “We will be making the replica top version of the suit, which will be available shortly for purchase ahead of the start of season with team jackets plus other wear also available.”

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FORMER Glasgow promoter Gordon Pairman is returning to the club after completing a transfer of shares with Alun Biggart.Pairman, based on the Isle of Man, becomes the sole owner of the promoting company, although he plans to hand over part of the shareholding to a trust upon formation.He said: “Before anything else, I would like to put on record my thanks to Alun for his hard work and investment in ensuring that Glasgow came to the tapes in 2013. He had a traumatic baptism into speedway but unfortunately discovered that it is very difficult to run a team when you are not locally based.“I do believe that the future for Glasgow would be best served by local ownership, and I will be actively trying to make that happen. But in doing so, I know that we need to keep Glasgow running which is why I have stepped in.”

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EDINBURGH’S main team sponsors Scotwaste will be backing the Monarchs for a ninth successive season this summer.The deal was finalised between club chairman Alex Harkess and Scotwaste MD Brian Ramsay, who is keen to further increase involvement with the Scottish side.Harkess said: “It’s vital for the stability of the club that we have a good sponsor and our relationship with Scotwaste over the years has been superb. We are delighted to have them back on board. Stewart Melrose and his colleagues have become close friends.“As I have said many times, there is no doubt at all that the period of Scotwaste’s sponsorship has seen us enjoy more success on track than at any other time.”(SPEEDWAY 5)

MATT Bates has been named as captain of the newly-formed Devon Demons who have now completed the line-up for their National League entry.Several familiar figures to Plymouth are included, with Bates to be supported by Lee Smart as vice-captain, whilst Tim Webster returns as No.1 after time out of the sport. The top five is completed by Ben Reade and Danny Stoneman, with James Shanes and Richard Andrews at reserve.Manager Gary Spiller said: “I am sure Matt will be a popular choice as he is well known to the Plymouth supporters and has also been heavily involved recently in helping to keep the name of the Exeter Falcons alive.“It will be important to remember that the main object of our National League side this season will be to develop riders for the future and help build the overall strength of Plymouth Speedway for coming years.”

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KYLE Hughes has signed for King’s Lynn Young Stars to complete the club’s National League side for 2014.Hughes, who rode for Stoke last season, joins on loan from Coventry and will make his debut on March 26 when Cradley visit in the first leg of the National Shield.Manager Dale Allitt said: “Kyle completes a very strong top five for the Young Stars this season. I am expecting him to challenge for the No.1 race jacket at some point this year.“I think the team that we have built shows our intentions. Lewis Rose is one of the best riders in the league and we have an exciting prospect in Josh Bailey.”