Sponsored by
Speedway: Bridger is confirmed as a Panthers signing
Top young British talent Lewis Bridger is on his way to Peterborough Panthers for 2010.
Top young British talent Lewis Bridger is on his way to Peterborough Panthers for 2010.Club owner Rick Frost confirmed that a deal has been agreed with the highly-rated Eastbourne ace to race at Alwalton next year.
Those talks were carried out with the permission of his parent club and Frost is now negotiating with the Eagles hierarchy over whether the British Under 21 champion will move on loan for next season or permanently.
Frost believes a temporary switch is most likely and is adamant seeing 20 year-old Bridger in action around the Showground on a regular basis is a mouthwatering prospect.
Frost said: "Lewis has been offered a contract to race for Peterborough which he seems to have let everyone know about.
"I spoke to Bob Dugard of Eastbourne following the conclusion of the AGM in Bournemouth at the weekend and it is probable that Lewis will move here on a loan agreement. We will be happy either way whether it is a loan or a permanent deal.
"Lewis has caught everyone's eyes in speedway. He has both immense ability and huge potential and if he makes best use of those things, he could certainly go places in the sport.
"He is a very exciting rider and that is the sort of man we want lining up in our team for next year. It is also pleasing as we are especially keen to be in a position to track British riders."
Bridger is known to be keen to further his career by being based at a large track.
He has done well on previous visits to Alwalton and is sure to be a popular signing with the club's supporters.
He said: "I've been wanting to get away to a big track and I've got a very good deal at Peterborough."
Meanwhile leading Panthers asset Hans Andersen could find himself moving in the opposite direction to Bridger.
Eastbourne have been granted permission by the city club to open talks with the rider that spearheaded the famous charge to Elite League title glory back in 2006.
Frost confirmed Panthers have received no contact from Andersen, who spent last season on loan at Poole after a belated return to British speedway in May, since asking whether he was keen to be considered for a team place at the Showground next year.
Eastbourne are expected to stage the majority of their home meetings on Thursday nights next year which would probably sit well with Andersen's World Championship commitments.
The Dane was the recipient of one of four wildcards into the GP series after missing out on a top-eight finish in the overall standings.
Frost added: "We have received no contact back from Hans therefore Eastbourne have been given permission to speak to him.
"At the end of the day a rider will go where he wants to and I would not stand in anyone's way.
"I am not talking specifically about Hans here, but if a rider is not happy with the club it is probably for the best that they move."
PANTHERS hope to give their fans an early Christmas present – by unveiling their entire 2010 team at the beginning of December.
Club owner Rick Frost plans revealed plans are being formalised for a fans' forum early next month at which the men charged with delivering glory in the club's 40th anniversary season will be revealed.
That means Panthers have little more than a fortnight to settle on their side.
Frost said: "It is almost impossible to keep things secret in this business, so I am of the view that it will be best to announce our team in one go.
"We are in the process of finalising a date to hold a fans' forum at the Marriott Hotel."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Peterborough
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.