Joel Parsons, who made eight Premier League guest appearances for Newport Wasps, in the summer of 2003, will fill one of the reserve spots this season, promoter Tim Stone announced today.

And the bagpipe-playing rider from Broken Hill in New South Wales, will be among familiar faces at the Hayley Stadium.

Craig Watson, from the same state, Carl Wilkinson and Chris Schramm were all part of the Wasps team in 2003 and so, too, was Tony Atkin - but the announcement of his expected return is still awaited.

Stone said: "He is happy to return to us and renewing acquaintances with myself and team manager Neil Street."

Parsons comes into the line-up as a Grade A reserve and Stone explained: "We have got a new system for reserve riders in the coming season and it is therefore a difficult decision to get the gradings right because we can only have certain permutations of graded (such as grade A with grade C or two grade B riders).

"I feel we must make a positive impression in heat two (for reserve riders) to gain every advantage at home and also on our travels. Considering the permutations left to me under the new system I have brought Joel in to start the attack on that reserve job."

Having signed the 20-year-old Parsons it means Stone must now bring in a grade C rider.

l Newport's Craig Watson gained 12 points to reach the A final in the last round of the Australian championship held at Newcastle, the previous round at Gosford having been washed out.

However, he finished last in the final which was won by Leigh Adams who became champion for the ninth time, equalling the record. Todd Wiltshire was second and Rory Schlein third. Watson ended ninth on 31 points.

* Lee Dicken, who made a couple of Premier appearances for Glasgow in 2004 has joined the Scottish club after finishing last season with the Wasps. And the Tigers reckon they have got the Hull asset on what they consider to be a bargain average. Dicken slots into the top five on a 3.31 figure after an injury-hit season.

* Newcomers Redcar have confirmed they are to apply for Premier League membership. They will race on a Thursday night at the South Tees Motorsport Park, close to Premiership soccer club Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

* Berwick's future is still up in the air, owner Peter Waite waiting until the end of the month before declaring his intention to continue at Premier League level.