Newport Wasps skipper Tony Atkin will be back at the Hayley Stadium once again leaving promoter Tim Stone with a reserve berth to fill and so complete his Premier League line-up.

Atkin, one of the few Welshman in British speedway, celebrates his 40th birthday in April and will be starting his fourth season as a Newport rider.

Atkin rode 40 Premier League and Premier Trophy meetings for the Wasps, gaining 301 points and 45 bonus points last season and will start the new season on a 6.12 average.

Stone said: He is a great team man and is an enthusiastic member of Newport speedway. He is very effective in the pits as a captain and that brings our team strength to six - six all-out triers."

Atkin, an accomplished grass-track rider, was also a key figure in the first running of a novel meeting at the Hayley Stadium, speedway and grass-track riders rubbing shoulders in a special meeting, using grass-track machines. The meeting was staged in conjunction with the Cheshire Grass-Track Club, Atkin having competed in many of their meetings over the years.

It was given the thumbs up by all concerned and another meeting is pencilled in for this year. And while fans try their luck at forecasting the final rider, to partner Joel Parsons at reserve, the majority of the team will be taking part in a practice session at Hayley Stadium on Sunday.

But it could be some time before Stone decides on the last rider to complete the jigsaw, adding: "I am not going to make a decision on the last rider for quite a while. There are a number of things I have to think over."

Atkin will be in action next month, taking part once again in the Telford ice spectacular on February 12 which features England meeting the Rest of the World, the 18th British Open championship and an international pairs event

l Former Newport rider Barrie Evans has re-signed for Stoke and will ride as their A grade reserve.

l Pavel Ondrasik, one-time Newport rider, will have an early clash against his former club. He has become a Somerset Rebel, the clubs clashing in early March.

The first meeting is at the Oak Tree arena on March 10 with the return leg at Newport two days later, the Severnside Trophy, backed by British Car Auctions, up for grabs.

l Redcar Bears, the newest British speedway club, have wasted no time in beginning to put a team together. They have signed Matthew Tresarrieu and Daniel Giffard with Gary Havelock expected to sign.